Dubai: The Emirates Literature Foundation has announced the speaker lineup and programme details for the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2025, as the countdown begins for the 17th edition of the event. Scheduled from 29 January to 3 February 2025 at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, the LitFest will present over 150 experiences, including popular events such as Desert Stanzas, LitFest After Hours, Discovery Talks, and the LitFest Families programme.
According to Emirates News Agency, the LitFest is under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, supported by Emirates Airline and Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The event will feature notable authors like Abraham Verghese, Hala Gorani, Jeff Kinney, Daniel Handler, Chigozie Obioma, Dr Mohamed Mansi Qandil, Abdel Illah Benarafa, Waciny Laredj, Khalid Albudoor, and Fadi Kattan.
Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of Emirates Literature Foundation, highlighted the importance of the LitFest as a platform for dialogue and cultural unders
tanding, emphasizing its role in fostering empathy and understanding through literature. Boutros Boutros of Emirates described the festival as a leading gathering for diverse authors and inspirational exchanges that encourage new possibilities.
Dubai Culture sponsors this year’s Emirati Strand, highlighting UAE culture and enabling Emirati and international authors to collaborate. Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash of Dubai Culture expressed pride in the partnership with the festival, stressing its contribution to the cultural and creative industries.
The LitFest will continue to offer a wide range of experiences, including the Desert Stanzas at Caravanserai and a Qanoon and Poetry Night at the Theatre of Digital Art in Madinat Jumeirah. The festival will also feature discussions with authors like Graeme Wilson, Abraham Verghese, Dr Mohamed Mansi Qandil, Waciny Laredj, Chigozie Obioma, and Alison Steadman.
The LitFest Families segment will entertain young readers with top children’s authors and illustrators, a
longside interactive shows and storytelling sessions. Festival-goers can engage with authors on various topics, such as overthinking, Jane Austen’s wit, and global challenges addressed by Hanno Sauer.
The festival will celebrate young writers and achievers through competitions like the Chevron Readers’ Cup and Emirates NBD Poetry For All. The ELF Seddiqi Writers’ Fellowship will award ten writers with a career-launching opportunity. Additionally, the Voices of Future Generations competition will feature a book launch, and ELF Publishing will debut Shamma Albastaki’s book.
Festival-goers can enjoy discounts through the ‘Bil Arabi’ pass and exclusive perks for Foundation Friends, including priority booking and access to special events.