The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is one of top ten literary festivals in the world, featuring local, regional and international writers, poets, thinkers, and speakers. Over the last 17 years more than 2500 authors from over one hundred countries have spoken at the Festival. The Festival reached more than 380,000 people, in person and via live streaming. Sessions included HE Reem Al Hashimy, Wole Soyinka, HE Dr Ali Bin Tamim, , Ezzat Elkamhawi, Asma Khan, Shahla Ujayli, Ruth Ware, Dr Sultan Al Amimi, Jung Chang, Vir Das, Omer Taher, Saud Alsanousi, Shamma Al Bastaki, and more.
...
The aim of the Festival is to develop a culture of reading as an enjoyable habit in the UAE, and its efforts have been recognised through many awards over the years. By providing an equal platform for international and locally based talents, the Festival continues to build the literary landscape in the UAE and further afield. Alongside the main programme, the Festival organises an Education programme, reaching students across the seven emirates of the UAE. There are also student competitions, held in Arabic and English, which allow young people to showcase their skills through poetry, short stories and reading.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Festival is a key part of the Emirates Literature Foundation, which was established in 2013 by Royal Decree. In partnership with Emirates Airline and the Dubai Culture & Arts
Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated authority for heritage, arts, and culture, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will be back in 2027. For information and updates about the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature visit the website: www.emirateslitfest.com.
As we gather for the 2026 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature,
we are celebrating far more than stories. We are celebrating the creativity and passion that drives progress and connects people across the world. The Festival unites writers, thinkers, and readers, reminding us that literature is not simply about words, but about ideas that inspire change, drive dialogue, and build bridges. It is a space where knowledge meets imagination, where questions are welcomed as much as answers, and where diverse perspectives come together to create richer understanding. This year, the Festival reflects the spirit of the UAE’s “We the UAE 2031” vision, showcasing our shared ambition to build a society that is forward-thinking, a thriving economy that values pioneers, and a cultural landscape that sets a benchmark for the world.
The Festival serves as a vital platform where ideas truly come to life, yes, and it also exemplifies the enduring power of storytelling while embracing the distinct ways in which narratives can engage audiences in the contemporary world. Aligned with the spirit of the Year of Community, the Festival invites all who call the UAE home to contribute meaningfully to society by collectively fostering a culture of shared responsibility and creativity. As a nation, we remain committed to unlocking the full potential of individuals, families, and organisations by nurturing talents and developing their skills.
...
We are particularly proud to shine the light on local and regional literature, giving creatives from the UAE and around the Arab World the unique opportunity to share their perspective at home and internationally. Through a celebration of our heritage and commitment to creativity, the Festival demonstrates how our culture continues to captivate, resonate, and leave a lasting impact across the world.
HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Chairman Emirates Literature Foundation
President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group,
Chairman Dubai Airports.
Here we are, gearing up for the 18th edition of the Emirates LitFest. As we approach the Festival, taking place from 21 to 27 January, we are reminded of the founding vision of the Emirates Literature Foundation:
A society built on reading and storytelling, and a UAE that is a global literary hub. I would say we are well on our way to making that vision a reality.
The Emirates LitFest was the seed, one that has not only borne remarkable fruit over the years, but continues to grow new branches across the UAE’s literary landscape.
And when I speak of a literary world, I do not mean a small circle of book lovers and the authors who write for them. I mean our world in its entirety.
...
I mean Arab parents determined to pass on their mother tongue to their children in a predominantly English-speaking world. And I mean children who fall in love with stories in which they see themselves and their surroundings reflected.
Books hold the answers many of us are searching for. So I invite you to come, find your answers, and live better because of them. In a world that can feel divisive, distracting, and lacking in empathy... come, read, and resist all three.
Ahlam Bolooki
Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Literature Foundation
Director, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
Managing Director, ELF Publishing
The Emirates Literature Foundation is a not-for-profit non-governmental organisation that supports and nurtures a love of literature in the UAE and across the region through a programme of varied cultural initiatives. Recognising the distinctive contribution that literature makes to children’s lives, the Foundation focuses on introducing and cultivating a spirit of reading while acting as a catalyst for writing and cultural exchange.
Board of Trustees
Spectators Love Us
Thanks to you, we cheerfully celebrated my son’s birthday. We loved all the attractions.
Thank you for the bright emotions. I want to come to you again, and I recommend it to everyone!
Thank you for an unforgettable holiday! My children are very happy and want to come again.
Yesterday I went with friends to the amusement park. Thank you for the sea of emotions!
Flamy Tricks
We are waiting for you
Sweets & Baubles!
We are waiting for you
Dance Show
We are waiting for you
