Dubai Unveils 2026 Emirates Literature Festival Featuring 200 Writers and Global Awards

Dubai Hosts the Largest Literary Celebration in the Region

Dubai has officially launched the extensive lineup for the 2026 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, set to take place from January 21 to 27 at InterContinental Dubai Festival City. This year’s festival promises an impressive assembly of over 200 speakers hailing from 40 different nationalities, contributing to the region’s most significant celebration of literature and cultural dialogue.

Under the esteemed patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the festival aims to bolster Dubai’s growing reputation as a global center for literary arts. The announcement was made during an exclusive event held at the Theatre of Digital Art in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, where the program was highlighted through the lens of Emirati traditions and collective cultural narratives.

Star-Studded Lineup of Global Authors

The festival will feature renowned international and regional authors, including RF Kuang, Ruth Ware, Samantha Shannon, and Ezzat Elkamhawi, among others. The lineup also presents well-known figures like Shashi Tharoor, Oliver Jeffers, and Shamma Al Bastaki, alongside returning authors such as Oyinkan Braithwaite and Hoda Barakat.

Ahlam Bolooki, the CEO of Emirates Literature Foundation, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “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.” Bolooki emphasized the festival’s role in fostering curiosity and connection in today’s world.

Strategic Partnerships and Cultural Significance

The Emirates Airline has stepped in as the title sponsor, with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority acting as a founding partner. Boutros Boutros, the Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications at Emirates, commented on the festival’s importance, noting, “Emirates believes in the power of stories to connect people… We’re proud to support a festival that continues to inspire readers.”

Dubai Culture will emphasize Emirati literature and translation initiatives, as well as the Literary Luminary Prize, which honors Emirati storytellers who have helped enhance the UAE’s literary landscape. Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, indicated that these partnerships are crucial for nurturing emerging voices and reinforcing Dubai’s creative sectors.

Honoring Major Literary Awards

The 2026 festival will celebrate significant milestones in Arab literature by honoring prestigious awards, including:

• Al Owais Cultural Foundation: Recognizing the centenary of Emirati poet Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais.

• Sheikh Zayed Book Award: Celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special dinner event.

• Saif Ghobash Banipal Translation Prize: Commemorating two decades of literary translation excellence.

• Ibn Battuta Award for Geographic Literature: Curating a panel to acknowledge 25 years of celebrating Arab geographic writing.

These tributes emphasize the festival’s commitment to honoring literary achievements and cultural contributions.

Innovative Festival App and Thematic Strands

The Emirates LitFest is set to debut a new mobile app, which will facilitate personalized itineraries, reminders, and digital ticketing, promoting environmentally friendly access. With over 200 sessions organized into themed strands, the festival caters to a diverse audience. The strands include:

• State of Now: Featuring frontline thinkers and commentators.

• How To: Providing practical expertise from global specialists.

• Fantastic Fiction: Focusing on storytelling and narrative craft.

• Writers’ Corner: Dedicated to both aspiring and seasoned writers.

• LitFest Families: Offering family-friendly programming.

• LitFest After Hours: Bringing together music, comedy, and immersive experiences.

Special events, such as “An Ode Tae Robbie Burns” and a murder-mystery dinner titled “Highrise Homicide,” will also add to the festival’s offerings.

Ticketing and Accessibility

Tickets for the festival are competitively priced, starting at AED 50 ($14). Two main festival passes will be available:

• Conversations Pass: Priced at AED 400 ($109), allowing access to a range of English and Arabic sessions.

• Bil Arabi Pass: Available for AED 100 ($27), focusing on Arabic literature.

Foundation Friends members will enjoy a 20% discount across all ticket categories, along with exclusive perks including priority booking and lounge access. Additionally, non-members can take advantage of a 15% early-bird discount available from November 25 to December 28, 2025.

A Diverse Array of Confirmed Speakers

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2026 will feature an extensive list of confirmed speakers, representing a multitude of perspectives and voices from across the globe. The lineup includes prominent authors and emerging talents, creating an enriching experience for all attendees.

The festival’s focus on showcasing a diverse range of speakers signifies its commitment to broadening the literary landscape in the UAE and fostering a deeper appreciation for literature within the community.

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