Listen up bookworms, the Emirates Festival of Literature is coming back to Dubai and bringing with it a whole host of award-winning talent.
This year’s fair may look slightly different, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions, but the programme to be pretty cool with over 90 big names from the world of literature such as Malala Yousafzai, Amin Maalouf, Elif Shafak and more.
The impressive line-up features a who’s who of remarkable talent from to poets, literary prize winners, children’s book writers and even an activist.
Taking place from January 29 to February 13, the 12th edition of the huge book fair, will welcome highly-acclaimed individuals such as 23-year-old Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai; Elif Shafak, one of the most influential novelists writing today and internationally-acclaimed author Amin Maalouf.
In addition, Booker prize winner Avni Doshi will be in conversation with British author, Derek Owusu, who won the Desmond Elliot Prize for his book The Reminds Me.
Plus, Nigerian-British writer, Oyinkan Braithwaite will be talking about her smash-hit novel, My Sister the Serial Killer, which was short-listed for numerous international awards.
Taking the kids? David Barrie will be joining the festival virtually to reveal the wonders of animal navigation in an educational sessions for the whole family, while consultant pediatric neurosurgeon and star of two BBC fly-on-the-wall documentaries, Jay Jayamohan, will be discussing his memoir.
Teens can also look forward to sessions with Ali Sparkes, while middle graders will enjoy a session with Sam Copeland, known for the popular Charlie Changes into a Chicken.
British actor, rapper, comedian and screenwriter Ben Bailey Smith who created the CBBC comedy 4 O’Clock Club will be hosting a session with illustrator Sav Akyuz, while Isabel Thomas will be on hand to answer burning science questions.
We can’t wait!
FromDhs60, Dhs100 (ten virtual sessions), from Dhs40 (kids). Jan 29-Jan30, Feb 4-Feb 6, Feb 12-Feb 13. www.emirateslitfest.com.
Need more culture in your life?
Huge digital art gallery is coming to Dubai
nfinity des Lumières (which translates to “infinity of lights”) is set to open its doors in Downtown Dubai’s The Dubai Mall in the next couple of months.
Find out more here.
See Dubai from the sky
Blow the budget on this super swanky staycation that includes a helicopter tour over the city.
Details here.
Make a weekend of it
In need of a mini getaway? Get a brunch and staycation for under Dhs300 at this Dubai hotel.
Click here for details.
