If you are a bookworm or literature makes you go weak, then hold your breath. Dubai is gearing up to host the prestigious Emirates Airline Festival of Literature (#DUBAILITFEST) from March 1 to 10, 2018 at Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City.

It will be organized by the Emirates Literature Foundation under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The tenth edition of the festival is going to be the larger than ever, with the most celebrated international authors on board.

More About the Emirates Airline Lit Fest

Emirates Airline Literature Festival had a humble beginning in the year 2009 to give a recognized platform to people engrossed in the study of literature, reading, and writing. With nearly 65 authors participating in the inaugural edition, it tried to bring together patrons of all age groups and backgrounds across Arab nations to promote the value of education and literature.

Since then it has grown massively. The 2017 fest saw around 44,000 visitors interacting with 185 authors from 37 countries.

As this edition marks the tenth anniversary of the fest, a new lineup of sessions has been introduced – First 25. As the name suggests, there are going to be 25 exciting and insightful interactive sessions with various local and international writers. Early bird discounted tickets for the same was available until November 24, 2017.

The general public is entitled to 15% discount on using the code EARLYBIRD whereas the Foundation Friends receive 25% on check out automatically. The tickets for the complete author line up will be released on January 15, 2018.

Participating Authors

This edition will see some of the biggest literary names and global bestselling authors coming forward namely, Jacqueline Wilson, Anthony Horowitz, and Mark Billingham. While Jacqueline is an eminent English author whose works have been translated into 34 languages, Horowitz will be participating with his latest Alex Rider novel, Never Say Die.

Individual sessions shall be conducted by authors of high repute like Alexander Mccall Smith, Shashi Tharoor, Saroo Brierley, Cheryl Strayed, Kevin Kwan Andrew Morton and many others. In addition to these, some children author’s will also be attending the event like Charlie Higson, Philip Ardagh and Baroness Floella Benjamin.

Reading, Debates and much more

The ten-day event has been planned in such a manner that every visitor will have something to look forward to. Activities ranging from fun-filled games to panel discussions have been planned. There will be chapter readings by authors, interview sessions, debate competitions followed by open forums.

Literary lunches with celebrity chefs Madhur Jaffrey and Ken Home will be hosted. For aspiring writers, there will be writing workshops under the guidance of professional writers and various writing competitions.

A poetry event For The Love of Words will also be organized at the Dubai Opera with UK’s Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy making an appearance. It will be a great opportunity for budding writers to meet, interact and learn from their role models.

Special programmes have been lined up for children including the outdoor Family and Kids Oasis and Time Out Kids Story Corner. With such enriching, exciting and learning stimulating sessions and activities at disposal, this is truly a golden chance for aspiring writers, bibliomaniacs and literature lovers.