Dubai: The Emirates Literature Foundation has unveiled an impressive line-up and programme highlights for the 2026 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. The announcement was made at an exclusive event held at the Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA) in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, celebrating shared stories and the human journey through the lens of Emirati traditions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the 18th edition of the festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is set to take place at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City from January 21-27, 2026. The festival will feature a VIP panel to honor the book 'Life Taught Me' by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. It is considered one of the world's top ten literary festivals.
The 2026 line-up includes notable authors such as RF Kuang, Ruth Ware, Samantha Shannon, Ezzat Elkamhawi, and many others. The festival will also welcome returning authors like Shamma Al Bastaki, Oyinkan Braithwaite, and Shashi Tharoor, among others. Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of Emirates Literature Foundation, expressed that the festival aims to inspire curiosity and foster connections, inviting audiences to join in and rediscover what unites humanity.
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is supported by Title Sponsor Emirates Airline and Founding Partner Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture). Boutros Boutros, Emirates' Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications, Marketing, and Brand, highlighted the festival's role in connecting people and providing a platform for showcasing creativity and ideas.
Dubai Culture is supporting two key strands at the festival: 'Bil Emirati' and 'Translation.' It also backs the Literary Luminary Prize, which recognizes Emirati storytellers who inspire young creatives and bolster the UAE's literary standing. Notable attendees expected at the festival include Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, and other distinguished figures from the cultural and literary world.
The festival will honor renowned Arab awards and prizes, including celebrations for the centenary of Emirati poet Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais and the 20th anniversaries of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and the Saif Ghobash Banipal Translation Prize. The festival will also feature an app for a seamless visitor experience, offering personalized itineraries and special offers.
With over 200 sessions categorized into strands and activity types, the festival promises something for everyone. Ticket prices start at AED50, with two passes available for flexible access. Foundation Friends, the festival's loyalty program, offers exclusive perks, including discounts and priority booking. Early-bird discounts are available for non-members from November 25 to December 28, 2025.
The festival will host almost 200 speakers from 40 nationalities, including Aarvi Paleja, Abdelouahab Aissaoui, Sultan Al Amimi, and many more, promising a diverse and enriching literary experience.