Emirates LitFest 2026, officially the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, brings the world of books to Dubai with a vibrant mix of talks, performances, workshops and family activities. Now in its 18th edition, the festival champions reading, creativity and cultural exchange, welcoming global names and regional voices to one of the Middle East’s premier literary stages.

Use this guide to find the dates, location, speakers to expect, the 2026 programme highlights and ticket options, plus practical tips and answers to common questions.

About the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2026

Launched in 2009, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature has grown into one of Dubai’s biggest annual cultural events, celebrating storytelling across fiction, non-fiction, poetry and performance. The 2026 edition continues the tradition with a week of lively debates, intimate conversations, book launches, awards, concerts and interactive learning for all ages.

Expect a thoughtfully curated programme that blends renowned international authors with acclaimed Arab writers, poets, thinkers and innovators. The festival is designed to ignite imagination, build bridges between cultures and inspire a lasting love of reading and writing—whether you’re a devoted bookworm, a curious newcomer or an aspiring creator.


Emirates LitFest 2026 Dates & Location

Dates: Wednesday 21 January to Tuesday 27 January 2026

Venue: InterContinental Dubai Festival City, within the Dubai Festival City waterfront district.

The InterContinental’s connected event spaces, proximity to shopping and dining, and easy access by car or taxi make it a convenient base for festival-goers. Allow extra time to navigate security queues and collect passes at peak hours, especially on weekend days and for headline sessions.

Speakers at the Dubai Emirates Literature Festival

The festival’s line-up showcases local, regional and international voices—authors, poets, journalists, scholars, activists and cultural icons—across languages and genres.

Names to watch for in 2026 include: C. Hughes, Ali Al Mazmi, Saud Al Sanousi and Ruth Ware, among others. You can also look out for appearances across different categories by Abdulaziz Al Marshad (Head of the Qafia platform), Salha Obaid, Faisal Al Suwaidi and more.

Beyond the talks, expect book signings, launches and awards that celebrate outstanding contributions to literature and literacy.

Emirates Literature Festival Programme for 2026

The 2026 festival is organised around five broad strands that run throughout the seven-day schedule. Each strand includes a variety of sessions, so you can dip in and out or deep-dive into a theme over the course of a day.

Browse by category to discover events that match your interests, or filter by speaker to find your favourites and build a personalised itinerary.

Conversations

These are the heart of LitFest: thoughtful, audience-friendly discussions where authors and experts unpack ideas, share research and tell the stories behind their books.

Sample events of interest:

  • Dr Abdullah Alkadi: The Way of the Prophets – Journey through ancient Arabian routes and the Hijrah, exploring their enduring spiritual and cultural resonance through history and photography.
    • 25 January, 3:00 pm–4:00 pm
  • Family Affair – Aube Rey Lescure, Hafsa Lodi and Uttama Kirit Patel explore the drama, secrets and bonds of family life in fiction—what holds people together, and what pulls them apart.
    • 25 January, 10:00 am–11:00 am
  • Dai Rahmi, Dr Ghanim Samarrai & Soukaina Habiballah – Inside the art of translating poetry: how to preserve rhythm, meaning and soul while balancing fidelity to the original with creative expression.
    • 21 January, 2:00 pm–2:45 pm
  • H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: Life Has Taught Me – Reflections on leadership, optimism, excellence and the pursuit of lifelong learning, drawn from his bestselling book.
    • 21 January, 11:30 am–12:30 pm
  • Tickets: From AED 50 (varies by event)
  • Language: English and Arabic

Workshops

Want to get hands-on? The festival’s workshops are led by authors, illustrators and publishing professionals, with more than 15 practical sessions scheduled across the week.

Expect small-group learning on topics such as plotting your novel, crafting memoir, poetry technique, illustration and character design, editing essentials, getting published and more. These events are ideal for aspiring writers and creators looking to sharpen their craft and leave with actionable next steps.

  • Tickets: Prices vary by workshop
  • Language: English and Arabic

Special Events

Special Events deliver dinner experiences, live shows and once-a-year moments that go beyond the page. Highlights often include themed murder-mystery dinners like Highrise Homicide, culinary evenings such as A Taste of India with Asma Khan (a six-course celebration of Bengal flavours) and big, feel-good gatherings like The Big Sing.

Also keep an eye out for LitFest After Hours slots within this strand—post-6:00 pm happenings that blend music, spoken word, fandom chats and creative wellness sessions.

  • Tickets: Typically from AED 50 (varies by event)
  • Language: English and Arabic

Family Activities

For young readers—and the grown-ups who love them—Family Activities introduce children’s authors, illustrators and performers through high-energy shows, interactive readings and creativity-boosting workshops.

Look out for Children Take Over (in English and Arabic), where young talent takes centre stage, plus sessions with audience favourites such as the Brothers McLeod, Sarah McIntyre & Philip Reeve, and MC Grammar. Expect signings, photo moments and plenty of inspiration for reluctant and avid readers alike.

  • Tickets: From AED 50
  • Language: English and Arabic

Emirates LitFest After Hours

When the sun sets, the festival vibes shift to mellow, playful and social. Emirates LitFest After Hours weaves together authors, readers and creators for film screenings, live storytelling, music and game nights.

Board-game enthusiasts can join Superheated Neurons for friendly tournaments, music lovers can flow from B.B. King to Chris Cornell across pop, soul, R&B and jazz, tabletop fans can roll the dice with Dungeons & Dragons and introverts can savour quiet reading lounges—because there’s no wrong way to be a book person.

  • Tickets: AED 50
  • Language: English and Arabic

Tickets

Choose from flexible passes or book individual events to tailor your festival experience.

Festival Passes

  • Conversations Pass – AED 400
    • Enjoy a broad selection of conversations and panels in English and Arabic.
    • Perfect for attendees planning to sample multiple sessions across the week.
  • Bil Arabi Pass – AED 100
    • Great value for those focusing on Arabic-language discussions and panels.
  • How to get your pass
    • Purchase on the official festival website.
    • Collect your pass on-site from the box office.
    • Use it for swift entry to your chosen sessions—and keep it as a souvenir.

Tip: Consider a Foundation Friends membership for early access and additional perks so you don’t miss out on high-demand events.

Booking Individual Events

  • Browse by category (Conversations, Workshops, Special Events, Family Activities, After Hours).
  • Pick specific sessions and add to your schedule.
  • Check the language, venue room and age guidance before purchase.
  • Arrive early—popular talks can have queues for best seats and signings.

FAQs

Can children participate in Emirates Literature Festival activities?

Yes. The festival features a rich children’s and YA programme with interactive shows, workshops and meet-the-author sessions designed to spark creativity and build reading confidence.

Is the Emirates Literature Festival free to attend?

The festival offers a mix of free and ticketed programming. Many headline talks, workshops and special events require paid tickets or a pass; select community and outdoor activities may be free, subject to capacity.

What are the 2026 festival dates and where is it held?

Emirates LitFest 2026 runs from 21–27 January at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City in the Dubai Festival City district.

How much do tickets cost?

Individual session prices typically start around AED 50 and vary by event. Festival passes include the Conversations Pass (AED 400) and Bil Arabi Pass (AED 100). Workshops and special events are priced individually.

Can I get books signed by authors?

Most author sessions are followed by book signings, subject to each guest’s schedule. Bring your own copy or purchase on-site (stock is limited for popular titles; arrive early).

Is the venue accessible?

The InterContinental Dubai Festival City provides modern accessibility features. If you need specific assistance, contact the organisers in advance so arrangements can be made for seating, signings or workshop access.

What is the festival contact number?

For queries about Emirates LitFest 2026, contact the organisers at +971-54-349-8508 or email info@elfdubai.org.

Whether you’re planning a quick visit or a full festival week, Emirates LitFest 2026 delivers inspiration at every turn—ideal for readers, writers, educators, journalists and anyone curious about new ideas and stories.