The Emirates Literature Foundation has officially announced the dates for the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2025, gearing up for the 17th edition of this highly anticipated event. Taking place from 29 January to 3 February 2025 at the beautifully renovated InterContinental Dubai Festival City, the LitFest promises a jam-packed schedule with over 150 unique sessions and experiences. Attendees can look forward to favourites like Desert Stanzas, LitFest After Hours, Discovery Talks, and the LitFest Families programme! Come with me, and I’ll give you incredible details you need to know!
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Star-Studded Lineup: Literary Icons in the Spotlight
Some of the biggest names in literature will grace this year’s LitFest. From bestselling author Abraham Verghese and Emmy-winning journalist Hala Gorani to Diary of a Wimpy Kid creator Jeff Kinney and Daniel Handler (known as Lemony Snicket), the lineup is brimming with talent. Other highlights include Booker Prize nominee Chigozie Obioma, renowned travel writer Dr. Mohamed Mansi Qandil, and celebrated Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan.
Unique Experiences & Signature Events
The LitFest’s signature events create unforgettable memories each year, and 2025 is no exception. Desert Stanzas promises a magical night under the stars with poets from around the world. For those seeking mystery, All That Glitters weaves intrigue through each course, while Qanoon and Poetry Night at Madinat Jumeirah merges music with verse. Conversations with literary stars like Abraham Verghese and Chigozie Obioma will dive into the depths of storytelling and culture.
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LitFest Families: A Weekend For Young Book Lovers
LitFest Families offers young readers a weekend of fun and discovery. Expect interactive shows from authors like Jeff Kinney and an imaginative cooking session with Darryl Gadzekpo and Ella Phillips. Engaging tales by Samar Mahfouz Barraj, May Chebaklo, and Noura Al-Khoori promise to make reading an adventure.
Celebrating Talented Young Writers & Future Generations
The LitFest will honor young writers in the Emirates Literature Foundation’s competitions, such as the Chevron Readers’ Cup and Emirates NBD Poetry for All. The First Chapter: ELF Seddiqi Writers’ Fellowship will celebrate ten emerging writers embarking on literary careers, while the Voices of Future Generations book launch will feature sustainability-themed stories from young authors.
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Emirati Spotlight: Celebrating Local Culture & Talent
The UAE’s rich literary heritage is a key part of the LitFest. With support from Dubai Culture, the Emirati Strand will feature Emirati writers, poets, and thinkers, showcasing their creativity and perspectives in various sessions. This partnership reinforces Dubai’s status as a cultural hub and an incubator of talent, bringing together voices from around the world to share and celebrate the art of storytelling.
Get Your Tickets Now For The Biggest Literary Festival In The UAE
The Bil Arabi pass offers a fantastic discount, giving access to all Arabic sessions (excluding workshops and special events) for up to 90% off. Festival Friends loyalty program members enjoy priority booking, discounts, reserved seating, and exclusive invites throughout the year.
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The Festival boasts both paid and FREE workshops, conversations, family events and activities. Head to their website to find the best ones for you and register yourself early!
Prepare for an exciting journey at the Emirates LitFest 2025, where stories from all over the world connect us in Dubai’s vibrant literary scene.
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