The much-anticipated Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is back, and the library of events is better than ever. From insightful sessions with literary glitterati to live performances and brilliant opportunities for aspiring authors of all ages, read on for our pick of the best things to do at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2022.
Attend an open mic night
Celebrate the powerful art of the spoken word and poetic tradition at its finest at this open-air event. On Wednesday February 9 with New York Times bestselling author and poetry slam champion Elizabeth Acevedo and professional poet Queena Bergen taking to the stage to showcase their lyrical mastery to hugely entertaining and impressive effect. It’s all happening at the The Fresh Air, Fresh Lyrics: An Open Mic Night session at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City.
Free. Wed 9 Feb 7.30pm-9pm, Firefly Lounge, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City.
Be inspired by exceptional women who have done exceptional things
It might not initially seem that an Olympic weightlifter and mental health activist, accomplished drag racer and televisions show regular and talented pastry chef have a huge amount in common, but Amna Al Haddad, Hamda Taryam and Sahar Parham Al Awadhi are all pioneers in their respective fields.
Join them as they share insights and anecdotes, reflecting on what it means to be an Emirati woman who chooses to veer away from tradition, challenge the norm and succeed in professions typically dominated by men. Here their stories at The Emirati Women in Unconventional Paths session event.
Free entry. Thu Feb 3, 6pm. Al Joud Ballroom 1, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City.
Fuel the imagination of your little book worm
If your child loves nothing more than putting pen to paper (or fingertips to keypad) and slipping into an imaginative world of their own, creating characters and intrepid tales along the way, Polly Dunbar’s Ideas Everywhere writing workshop is a must-book.
In this interactive session aimed at children aged six and older, the author and illustrator behind the best-selling Penguin picture book will open up her Magic Ideas Bag and task young participants with sharing their own thoughts and suggestions for bringing characters to life and dreaming up stories.
Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult (the accompanying adult does not need to purchase a ticket).
Dhs100. Fri 4 Feb from 3pm-4pm at Dahlia, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City.
Learn the art of the quick literary pitch
Calling all aspiring authors with a novel to pitch – this could be just the opportunity you need to help you on your way to securing a publishing deal. As an established literary agent and one of the founders of the LBA Books, a leading London literary agency, Alison Bonomi is better positioned than most to offer advice on how to streamline ideas and present a book pitch in a concise, impactful fashion.
Writers who book a session with Bonomi will be asked to present a one-page synopsis of their work, run through as 50-word back cover blurb and share the first five pages of their manuscript, before receiving expert feedback. Individuals will be contacted directly with specific timings of the event happening on Sunday February 6.
Dhs150 per session. Sun Feb 6. 10am-noon. Carnation, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City.
Savour the delight of a Saturday evening spent in the company of Nadiya Hussain
One of the most-loved faces on British television, cookbook writer, children’s book author, television show host, 2015 Great British Bake Off winner and general superstar Nadiya Hussain MBE will be sharing her stories on Saturday February 5 – and you’re invited to the The Saturday Supper with Nadiya Hussain.
In what is set to be one of the tastiest sessions of the festival, Hussain will be reflecting on her journey so far, discussing her memoir Finding My Voice and sharing details of her latest TV series and third children’s book, all while guests tuck into a three-course meal accompanied by dishes inspired by her recipes.
Dhs295. Sat Feb 5, Al Habtoor Ballroom, Habtoor Palace, Al Habtoor City.
See Miss Havisham (finally) get wed
Literary history is rewriting itself and in 2022 Miss Havisham will have her wedding. At this one-off event and special dinner, attendees will be invited to join Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens himself, to learn more about the inspiration behind some of his most famous characters. All this will take place to the backdrop of a three-course Victorian feast, with Miss Havisham herself set to make an appearance.
Dhs295. Mon Feb 7 7.15pm-9.30pm, Al Joud Ballroom 1 & 2, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City.
Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Thu Feb 3- Sun Feb 13. Al Habtoor City emirateslitfest.com.
