The Emirates Literature Festival returns in 2026 with one of its most exciting editions yet, bringing together global authors, translators, poets, and readers for a week-long celebration of stories.
Running from January 21–27, 2026, at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is renowned for creating an atmosphere that blends creativity, culture, and community.
- What defines the Emirates Literature Festival experience in 2026
- The 2026 festival theme and its focus on translation
- Festival venues you’ll be spending time at
- What to expect in the Emirates Literature Festival: Programmes, talks, and immersive sessions
- Free vs. ticketed events: What you need to know
- Planning your visit to the Emirates Literature Festival 2026
- 2026 highlighted programme strands at the Emirates Literature Festival
- Participating in the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
- Make the most of your visit: Practical tips
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
What defines the Emirates Literature Festival experience in 2026?
The 18th edition of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature continues its tradition of uniting voices from around the world. Set against the backdrop of Dubai Festival City, the event brings more than 100 international and regional writers, spanning fiction, non-fiction, poetry, education, children’s literature, and translation.
This year highlights the power of storytelling in building cross-cultural bridges, an idea reflected across every panel, workshop, and performance.
The 2026 festival theme and its focus on translation
While the main theme is usually announced closer to January, the festival has confirmed that 2026 introduces a dedicated “Translation Strand”. This spotlight celebrates the craft of literary translation and honours the 20th anniversary of the Saif Ghobash–Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation, featuring invite-only sessions for award winners and industry leaders.
Several talks will dig into how translation shapes cultural exchange, an important angle in a city like Dubai, where languages and nationalities converge daily.
Festival venues
Most events of the Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature take place at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, offering easy access, spacious halls, and beautiful waterfront views.
Main venues include:
- InterContinental Dubai Festival City: Home to author sessions, workshops, book signings, and key panels.
- Caravanserai: The atmospheric desert venue hosting the renowned Desert Stanzas poetry night.
- Fringe Stage: Returning with performances from emerging UAE student talent, youth choirs, and school storytellers.
What to expect in the Emirates Literature Festival: Programmes, talks, and immersive sessions
The Emirates Literature Festival offers an extensive line-up across age groups and genres.
1. Author talks and panel discussions
Expect 100+ authors from around the world, including novelists, journalists, illustrators, academics, historians, and Emirati writers. Sessions range from gripping contemporary fiction and memoirs to debates about global issues and live audience Q&As.
2. Workshops and creative masterclasses
These sessions cater to:
- Aspiring authors
- Teachers and educators
- Poets and performers
- Translators and literary agents
Creative incubators and writing labs are typically led by published authors, offering hands-on exercises and personalised feedback.
3. Signature events
- Desert Stanzas at Caravanserai
- Literary dinners led by chefs and authors
- Music, comedy, and theatrical performances
- Film screenings inspired by literature
Family and children’s programming
With storytelling tents, author-led readings, book signings for young readers, and competitions like the Chevron Readers’ Cup, families will find plenty of engaging activities. The returning Fringe Stage gives UAE school students their moment on stage.
The festival’s strong focus on children’s programming fits naturally within Dubai’s broader cultural landscape, which includes a variety of activities featured across the UAE’s most popular things to do.
Free vs. ticketed events: What you need to know
The festival remains one of Dubai’s most accessible cultural events.
Free events include:
- LitFest Launch Pad (for debut writers)
- Youth and school performances on the Fringe Stage
- Open storytelling corners
Ticketed events include:
- Author talks
- Masterclasses and workshops
- Premium evening events
- Themed dinners
Ticket prices are designed to be inclusive, starting from AED 50. General ticket sales open on 25 November 2025, while Foundation Friends members get early access from 23 November.
Besides, the festival sits within a busy cultural season in Dubai, where annual events across the city shape much of the winter calendar and add context to the wider arts landscape.
Planning your visit to the Emirates Literature Festival 2026
Planning your visit to the Emirates Literature Festival 2026 is simple with a few key details in mind.
Getting there
Situated 10 minutes away from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, the InterContinental Dubai Festival City is easily accessible by:
- Metro and bus connections
- Taxi and ride-hailing
- Private car (parking available at Festival City Mall)
Booking tickets
Popular workshops and headline sessions sell out quickly, so aim to book as soon as the line-up drops on 25 November 2025.
Packages and tours
Festival partners typically offer city tours, cultural visits, and library stops as add-ons for visitors who want to enrich their literary experience.
2026 highlighted programme strands at the Emirates Literature Festival
The 2026 programme also features curated strands that spotlight the festival’s most meaningful themes and voices.
Translation Strand
A dedicated Translation Strand explores how stories move across languages through panels and workshops led by translators and authors.
Spotlights on key voices and genres
Focused sessions highlight women writers, popular genre fiction, and regional history, offering fresh perspectives from across the region.
Celebrating translation awards
Special events mark major translation award anniversaries, including gatherings honouring the Saif Ghobash–Banipal Prize’s 20-year milestone.
Participating in the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
There are three main ways to be part of the Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature:
1. Attend
Secure tickets early and plan your schedule using the official festival guide or mobile app.
2. Volunteer
Roles typically include ushering, stage assistance, audience support, and event coordination. Applications open on volunteer platforms closer to the date.
3. Submit creative work
Authors, poets, and performers can apply for the Fringe Stage or Launch Pad once the open call is announced.
Make the most of your visit: Practical tips
- Sign up for festival newsletters for real-time updates
- Arrive early for headline sessions
- Expect queues for book signings
- Use the festival app to track sessions and venue timings
Key takeaways
The Emirates Literature Festival returns from 21–27 January 2026, celebrating its 18th edition with a strong focus on translation and global literary exchange. With family-friendly events, world-renowned authors, free youth programming, and exclusive workshops, the festival remains the region’s biggest literary gathering.
Tickets go on sale on 25 November 2025, and early booking is highly recommended for popular sessions. From cultural talks to children’s storytelling, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature promises a vibrant, inclusive experience for all readers.
FAQs
It will be from 21st to 27th of January 2026, with public events from 21–25 January.
It will be primarily held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, with desert poetry nights at Caravanserai.
Yes, there are. Fringe performances, debut author showcases, and select readings.
It goes on sale on 25 November 2025 for the public; early access from 23 November for Foundation Friends.
It will host a dedicated Translation Strand and the 20-year celebration of the Saif Ghobash–Banipal Prize.
