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Dubai announces 2026 Emirates Literature Festival with over 200 writers and major global awards

Published

2 weeks ago

26 November 2025

Dubai has unveiled the full programme for the 2026 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, revealing a star-studded lineup of more than 200 speakers from 40 nationalities for the 18th edition of the region’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the festival will take place from January 21–27, 2026 at InterContinental Dubai Festival City.

The Emirates Literature Foundation announced the details during an exclusive event at the Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA) in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, where the programme was introduced through the lens of Emirati traditions, shared narratives and collective cultural identity.

The 2026 festival will also feature a VIP panel celebrating the book Life Taught Me by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed.

Headline authors and global literary names

The lineup features leading international and regional writers including RF Kuang, Ruth Ware, Samantha Shannon, Ezzat Elkamhawi, Omar Taher, Dr Shahla Ujayli, Rachel Clarke, Caleb Azumah Nelson, Curtis Jobling, Ali Al Mazmi, Plestia Alaqad, Big Manny, MC Grammar, and Asma Khan.

Returning authors include Shamma Al Bastaki; Oyinkan Braithwaite; Hoda Barakat; Jalal Barjas; Saud Al Sanousi; Badriah Albeshr; Salha Obaid; Shashi Tharoor; and Oliver Jeffers MBE.

Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of Emirates Literature Foundation, Director of Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, and Managing Director of ELF Publishing, said: “As we prepare to welcome audiences to the 18th anniversary of the Emirates LitFest, we keep in mind that the vision of our Foundation is a society built on reading and storytelling that supports UAE’s position as a global literary hub.

“The Festival continues to inspire curiosity and foster connection, offering something for everyone. In a world that can feel divided or distracted, I invite you to join us and to pause, read, and rediscover what unites us as humans on a shared journey.”

Strategic partners and cultural pillars

The festival is supported by Title Sponsor Emirates Airline and Founding Partner Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).

Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, said: “Emirates believes in the power of stories to connect people, challenge us, and expand our sense of what’s possible… We’re proud to support a festival that continues to inspire readers and ignite imagination across our community.”

Dubai Culture

Dubai Culture will support the Bil Emirati and Translation strands, as well as the Literary Luminary Prize, which honours Emirati storytellers whose work has contributed to the UAE’s position as a global literary hub.

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said the partnership nurtures emerging voices and strengthens Dubai’s cultural and creative industries while reinforcing its global standing.

This year’s LitFest will pay tribute to some of the Arab world’s most prestigious literary awards, including:

Al Owais Cultural Foundation: Marking the centenary of UNESCO-recognised Emirati poet Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais
Sheikh Zayed Book Award: Hosting a special 20th anniversary dinner
Saif Ghobash Banipal Translation Prize: Celebrating its 20th anniversary
Ibn Battuta Award for Geographic Literature: Curating a panel marking 25 years of celebrating Arab geographic writing

New festival app and programme structure

The LitFest has rolled out a new app offering personalised itineraries, reminders and digital ticketing for environmentally friendly access.

More than 200 sessions have been organised into themed strands:

State of Now: Frontline thinkers and commentators
How To: Practical expertise from global specialists
Fantastic Fiction: Storytelling, world-building and narrative craft
Writers’ Corner: For aspiring and professional creators
LitFest Families: Family-friendly programming
LitFest After Hours: Music, comedy, games and immersive experiences

The festival will also offer themed events including An Ode Tae Robbie Burns, the Highrise Homicide murder-mystery dinner, and Desert Stanzas with renowned poets and performers.

Ticketing and passes

Ticket prices start at AED 50 ($14).
Two festival passes are available:

Conversations Pass: AED 400 ($109) for a wide range of English and Arabic sessions
Bil Arabi Pass: AED 100 ($27) for deep engagement with Arabic literature

Foundation Friends members receive a 20 per cent discount on all categories and exclusive festival perks, including priority booking and lounge access.

Non-members can benefit from a 15 per cent early-bird discount from 25 November to 28 December 2025.

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2026

There are almost 200 speakers from 40 different nationalities confirmed to appear at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2026. The lineup comprises: