Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What is a ‘LitFest’?
A ‘LitFest,’ or a literary festival brings together people who love books, with the people who create them. Audiences of all ages come together for author talks, workshops, book signings and more.
Since it began in 2009, the Emirates LitFest has been connecting local book lovers with the best literary talent the world has to offer. The Festival’s programme now includes film screenings, themed dinners, and poetry performances. With 100+ authors in attendance each year, the Emirates LitFest is the biggest book festival in the Middle East and the must-attend literary event of the UAE’s social calendar.
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What are the dates of the next Emirates LitFest?
The 2023 LitFest will take place from 1-6 February. So mark your calendars now!
And make sure you sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram and Twitter so you don’t miss any Festival updates!
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Where will the next Emirates LitFest take place?
The 2023 LitFest will take place across 3 different locations. The opening ceremony will happen at Caravanserai. The main programme will unfold at the InterContinental in Festival City and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL).
Please note: Visitors to MBRL must abide by library dress code and keep their shoulders and knees covered at all times.
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What authors are coming to the 2023 LitFest?
The upcoming Festival will welcome an exciting line-up of international and local talent. And because the theme is “Old Friends,” get ready for a mix of familiar favourites and fresh faces!
Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram and Twitter so you don’t miss any Festival updates!
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What can I do at the Emirates LitFest?
There’s always plenty to see and do at the Emirates LitFest, no matter what your age, interests, or your budget!
Families will want to check our exciting line-up of children and young adult sessions! Older Festival goers will want to grab a friend (or two) for our special events, including literary-themed dinners, scrabble tournament, a LitFest Pub Quiz and more.
There’s also lots to learn at the LitFest! Aspiring authors or artists can sign up for one of our many craft workshops. While those interested in the business of books can join us for our Publishing Day event.
And last, but not least, the 2023 LitFest will welcome back the Fringe Stage, which will run throughout the Festival!
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How do I buy tickets?
Tickets go on sale to the general public 24 hours after we announce our Festival author line-up. If you don’t want to risk an event selling out fast, you can always sign up for a Foundation Friends membership to ensure 24-hour early access!
Please note that any children aged 3-12 attending a session or workshop must be accompanied by an adult. For children’s sessions, the accompanying adult is required to buy a ticket, however, for children’s workshops, they can attend for free. Only one accompanying adult will be permitted per event.
Children aged 2 and below can attend events for free but they are not guaranteed a seat.
For sessions at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, children aged 5 and below are not allowed on library premises.
Sign up for the Festival newsletter or follow us on Instagram and Twitter so you don’t miss any updates!
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What are Festival Passes and how do I buy them?
You asked. So we brought them back! The 2023 LitFest sees the return of our popular Festival Passes. Now you can attend as many general sessions as you’d like across the Festival weekend or on a specific day! We’re even offering passes for students.
Browse our selection of passes.
Please note that parents can buy their children a weekend or day pass to attend multiple sessions over the weekend or on the same day. However, any children aged 3-12 must be accompanied by an adult, so the accompanying adult must also purchase their own ticket or pass to join them.
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Will there be any free events at the 2023 LitFest?
The Festival tries to remain as affordable and accessible as possible, with plenty of reasonably priced events across our programme. However, there are still activities and events that visitors can attend for free, including the Peter Rabbit Garden, and certain sessions taking place on the Fringe Stage.
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Can I bring my family to the Emirates LitFest?
There are lots to see and do at the Festival, whether you come by yourself or with a group! For any families planning to attend sessions together, please note the following:
- Children aged 2 and below can attend events for free. However, there might not be a seat for them if the event is sold out. Please make sure the content is suitable for your child and that they do not disturb other Festival attendees
- Children aged 3-12 must be accompanied by an adult for children’s sessions and workshops. For children’s sessions, both the child and the accompanying adult are required to buy a ticket, however, for children’s workshops, the accompanying adult can attend for free. Only one accompanying adult will be permitted.
- Children aged 16 and below will only be allowed to attend adult sessions if accompanied by an adult who has consented to their attendance. Please make sure the content is suitable for your child before you purchase tickets.
Save money and guarantee early access to tickets with our Foundation Friends Family membership.
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How do I get a refund for my ticket or pass?
The Emirates LitFest does not offer refunds. For further clarifications, please check our refund policy.
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What Covid-19 safety guidelines will the Emirates LitFest be following?
The Festival is committed to your health and safety. To ensure a safe and fun time for everyone, we will be complying with current government regulations.
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How do I get to the LitFest?
There are plenty of ways to get to any of our three locations. Don’t forget to plan your trip in advance!
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How can I become a part of the 2023 LitFest?
There are many ways to get involved with the Festival!
- Young performers between the ages of 3 to 16 can apply for a slot on our Fringe Stage.
- Local authors are welcome to contact us for consideration to be on our LitFest Launchpad. And don’t worry, age doesn’t matter!
- If working behind the scenes is more your speed, apply to become one of our LitFest volunteers!
- And finally, if you would like to sponsor some sessions or partner up on our other initiatives, consider becoming one of our sponsors!
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How can I bring the LitFest to my school?
One of the Festival’s goals is to spread a love of reading across the UAE. That’s why we curate a special Education Programme each year.
- Schools can book tickets to one of our education sessions in English or Arabic. Festival Authors sign their books after their sessions, allowing your students the chance to own a signed copy.
- Work with your students to place a free bid to win a visit from a LitFest author, so you can bring the magic of the LitFest back to your school!
- Help your students apply for a slot on our Fringe Stage to showcase their talents in front of an international audience!
And that’s not all. The Emirates Literature Foundation also runs student competitions throughout the year, with the winners announced each year during a special prize ceremony at the LitFest. Interested in taking part? Join our education mailing list so we can notify you when our competitions open again!
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Can the LitFest help me get published?
The Emirates LitFest celebrates every stage of the publishing process:
Want to become a writer but not sure where to start? Sign up for one of our many writing workshops!
Written a manuscript but not sure what to do next? Enter the Emirates LitFest Writing Prize or book a slot to pitch an international literary agent!
Already a debut author? Apply to be considered for our LitFest Launchpad!
Interested in meeting fellow publishers or authors and discussing trends in the publishing industry? Pick up a Publishing Day Pass so you can attend a selection of sessions, including lunch!
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Do you need volunteers for the 2023 Festival?
Thank you for asking! YES! The Emirates LitFest would not be possible without the support and dedication of our incredible volunteers! Please read about our requirements before you submit an application.
Please note: We will not be accepting any more applications after 5:00 PM on Tuesday, 20 December 2022.
HAVE A QUESTION WE DIDN’T ANSWER? LET US KNOW
Have a question about this year’s LitFest? We’re happy to provide you with the answers you seek, from practical details about this year’s events and more information about our venues and programme, to responses to other frequently asked questions.
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