Book lovers, mark your calendars! The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature returns from January 29 to February 3, 2025, bringing together an extraordinary lineup of world-renowned authors, storytellers, and thinkers. From bestselling novelists to celebrated journalists and cultural icons, this year’s festival promises engaging discussions, thrilling experiences, and unforgettable moments for readers of all ages.

A Stellar Lineup of Literary Icons

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is known for attracting some of the biggest names in publishing, and the 2025 edition is no exception.

Bestselling author Abraham Verghese, known for Cutting for Stone and The Covenant of Water, will take the stage twice—on January 31 for a solo session and again on February 2 alongside researcher and author Pip Williams.

For fans of journalism and current affairs, Hala Gorani, the Emmy Award-winning journalist and former CNN anchor, will share insights from her book exploring identity and belonging on February 2. Later that day, she’ll join a panel discussion on Media and the Middle East.

Children’s literature enthusiasts are in for a treat as Jeff Kinney, creator of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, introduces Hot Mess (book 19 in the series) on January 31 and February 2. Adding to the excitement, Daniel Handler (widely known as Lemony Snicket), the creative mind behind A Series of Unfortunate Events, will make a rare in-person appearance on February 1 and 2.

The lineup also features literary heavyweights like Nobel Prize-winning author Abdulrazak Gurnah, Booker Prize-nominated Chigozie Obioma, celebrated Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan, and renowned poet Khalid Albudoor.

Signature Events You Can’t Miss

The festival isn’t just about book signings and author talks—it’s an immersive cultural experience.

Desert Stanzas – A magical evening under the stars at Caravanserai, where international and regional poets perform their work in a breathtaking desert setting.

Business Breakfast: Women in Leadership – An empowering session on January 31 featuring authors Jessamy Hibberd, Maha Abouelenein, and Su Bridgman JD, who will discuss self-reliance, confidence, and success in leadership.

Murder Mystery Dinner – Put on your detective hat and solve a thrilling whodunit while enjoying a gourmet meal on January 31.

Cultural Dialogues at the LitFest Stage – A must-attend for those interested in the UAE’s literary scene, featuring Emirati poets Adel Khozam, Ali Al Shaali, Asmaa Al Remithi, and more.

Qanoon & Poetry Night – A mesmerizing blend of music and spoken word at the Theatre of Digital Art.

A Festival for the Whole Family

Families and young readers have plenty to look forward to at LitFest Families, featuring interactive storytelling sessions, illustration workshops, and meet-and-greets with beloved children’s authors. Highlights include:

• Ross Welford, inspiring young minds with his time-travel adventure books.
• Darryl Gadzekpo & Ella Phillips, who will teach kids how to grow ingredients and turn them into delicious meals.
• Helen Farmer, a UAE-based author and radio personality, sharing her debut book.

Workshops & Panels for Aspiring Writers

Whether you’re an aspiring author or an established writer, the festival offers workshops to sharpen your craft:

Two-Day Writing Bootcamp – Led by Harriet Griffey, this intensive workshop is perfect for anyone looking to refine their storytelling skills.

Character Development with Clare Mackintosh – Learn from a bestselling novelist about creating unforgettable fictional characters.

Tickets & More Information

The full festival schedule and ticket details are available at emirateslitfest.com. Want to attend multiple Arabic sessions? The Bil Arabi Pass gives you access to regular Arabic-language events for just AED 100.

Get Your Brand in Front of Millions

As the festival draws book lovers and cultural enthusiasts from around the world, this is the perfect time for brands to maximize their visibility.

Looking to expand your reach? Airport advertising is one of the most effective ways to connect with a global audience. With millions of travelers passing through Gulf airports each month, your brand can make a lasting impact in a premium, high-traffic environment.

Let’s Take Your Brand to New Heights

With Gulf Airport Advertising, your brand can shine where it matters most. Whether you’re targeting business professionals, tourists, or frequent flyers, our team can help craft a campaign that captures attention and drives results.

Contact us today to explore advertising opportunities at DXB and other Gulf airports during this peak travel season!