Literature lovers, mark your calendars. The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is officially back, and this time, it’s shaping up to be one of its most exciting editions yet. From hard-hitting journalism and travel stories to culinary storytelling, this year’s LitFest promises seven days of unforgettable conversations. Returning for its 18th edition, Emirates LitFest takes over InterContinental Dubai Festival City from 21 January to 27 January. This year, the event is welcoming nearly 200 speakers from over 40 nationalities. Whether you’re into politics, poetry, food, business, or true-life adventure, there’s a genre for every reader. Here are some of the standout sessions you need to bookmark before the event!.
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1. Thor Pedersen – The Impossible Journey
What does it take to visit every country in the world without ever boarding a plane? For Thor Pedersen, it took nearly ten years, countless border crossings, and unwavering determination. Author of The Impossible Journey, Pedersen shares how he navigated 203 countries using trains, buses, ships, and sheer persistence. From political unrest to global lockdowns, his story is a reminder of curiosity, patience, and the extraordinary lessons that come from slow travel.
- Date & Time: 23 January | 4 PM – 5 PM
- Topic: Travel, Adventure, Human Endurance
- Price: AED 50
- To know more about the speaker, visit the official website
2. Ruth Ware – The Monster Next Door
International number-one bestselling author Ruth Ware is one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary psychological fiction. Ware is best known for page-turners such as In a Dark, Dark Wood, The Woman in Cabin 10, The Lying Game, and The Death of Mrs Westaway. Her latest novel, The Woman in Suite 11, continues her signature blend of suspense, isolation, and slow-burning tension. At Emirates LitFest, Ware discusses her writing process, the art of crafting unforgettable twists, and the enduring appeal of psychological thrillers.
- Date & Time: 24 January, 2026 | 1 PM – 2 PM
- Topic: Fiction, Crime & Mystery
- Price: AED 75
- To know more about the speaker, visit the official website
3. Vir Das – The Outsider
Emmy-winning comedian and actor Vir Das is one of the most prominent voices in global stand-up today. With The New York Times noting that “no artist embodies the globalisation of stand-up like Vir Das,” he has earned international acclaim through four Netflix specials, including the Emmy-winning Landing. Known for blending sharp humour with cultural commentary, Vir’s work explores identity, politics, and modern life with fearless honesty. As part of LitFest After Hours, Vir brings his trademark wit and storytelling to the stage in a lively late-night session that blends comedy, pop culture, and personal stories.
- Date & Time: 24 January, 2026 | 9 PM – 10 PM
- Topic: Comedy, Pop Culture, Film & Media, Biography & Memoirs
- Price: AED 100
- To know more about the speaker, visit the official website
4. Asma Khan – A Taste Of India
In this unforgettable evening with Chef Asma Khan, food and storytelling meet. The trailblazing restaurateur behind London’s Darjeeling Express and star of Netflix’s Chef’s Table. Guests will enjoy a six-course menu inspired by the six seasons of Bengal. Each dish tells a story of heritage, resilience, and community. Asma Khan shares her journey from home cook to global culinary icon, while highlighting her commitment to social and environmental change.
- Date & Time: 24 January | 8 PM – 10 PM
- Topic: Food, Culture, Identity
- Price: AED 425
- To know more about the speaker, visit the official website
Bookmark These Festival Events Too!
1. Desert Stanzas
Best For: Poetry lovers and fans of live performance
A chill evening of poetry, music, and storytelling set under the desert sky.
- Date & Time: 22 January | 6:30 PM – 9 PM
- Price: AED 425
2. Highrise Homicide
Best For: Mystery lovers and puzzle solvers
An immersive murder-mystery experience unfolding across a fictional tower block. This is a LitFest first!
- Date & Time: 23 January | 8 PM – 10 PM
- Price: AED 425
3. Life Taught Me
Best For: Readers curious about leadership and Dubai’s journey
A special session exploring the book by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, offering insights into ambition, leadership, and nation-building.
- Date & Time: 21 January | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Price: Free
All The Details
- Date & Time: 21 January to 27 January, 2026 | Timings vary according to events
- Location: InterContinental Dubai Festival City
- Price: Tickets from AED 50
For more information, visit the official Emirates LitFest website.
