Your guide to Emirates LitFest 2026

Literature lovers, culture buffs and creative minds, this one’s for you

Each January, Dubai turns the page on a new year with the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, a week where stories spill off the page and into real life. From big ideas and bold conversations to hands-on workshops and spoken word moments, Emirates LitFest is where the region’s reading community comes together to think, listen, question and create.

What is Emirates LitFest 2026?

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, widely known as Emirates LitFest, is one of the UAE’s most influential cultural events in the region. Organised by the Emirates Literature Foundation, the festival brings together writers, poets, journalists, thinkers and readers from around the world. 

The programme spans fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children’s literature and cultural debate, with author talks, panel discussions, workshops and community-led sessions that reflect the UAE’s diverse and evolving literary landscape.

When is Emirates LitFest 2026?

Emirates LitFest 2026 takes place from 21 January to 27 January 2026, continuing its tradition as a major fixture on Dubai’s cultural calendar and a must attend event at the start of the year.

Where is Emirates LitFest 2026?

The 18th annual Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will be held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, which transforms into a buzzing hub of workshops, performances and creative exchange throughout the week.

What to see and do at Emirates LitFest 2026?

A defining feature of Emirates LitFest is its strong Emirati spotlight. The UAE’s literary culture predates the founding of the nation, and the festival has become the region’s biggest celebration of local writers, poets and thinkers. In partnership with Dubai Culture, Emirati talent is showcased across the programme.

Standout sessions include a conversation led by Myrna Ayad, editor of +971, alongside Emirati creatives featured in the book, sharing personal journeys, inspirations and the realities of shaping the UAE’s cultural identity. Poetry lovers should also look out for Dr Afra Atiq, an Emirati poet, scholar and interdisciplinary artist whose work spans poetry, performance and visual storytelling. Writing in English, Arabic, French and even Python coding language, her debut collection Of Palm Trees and Skies explores themes of heritage, identity and legacy.

For those ready to sharpen their storytelling skills, Greg Mosse’s two-day fiction writing bootcamp offers an intensive deep dive into plot, character, suspense, twists and endings.

With so much to see and do across the festival, Emirates LitFest is proudly family friendly, with something for all ages. One to add to your weekend timetable is MC Grammar, the multi award winning teacher and bestselling author who turns grammar, punctuation and spelling into high energy rap, rhyme and rhythm, making learning English loud, fun and unforgettable.

Art in the Middle at Emirates LitFest

Catch us at LitFest After Hours, where Art in the Middle brings a street-smart creative edge to the festival with "Tag It: An Introduction to Graffiti", led by UAE muralist and creative storyteller Captain Barboza. This hands-on workshop begins with a crash course in creative process, exploring his murals and collaborations across the UAE, followed by a live spray paint demonstration.

Participants will discover how graffiti artists blend design, colour and attitude to create bold urban stories, before grabbing a can and unleashing their inner artist. With a Q and A and plenty of practical time, the workshop is curated in collaboration with LitFest partner Art in the Middle Magazine.

Book here: litfesttickets.emirateslitfest.com

Art in the Middle Top Tip

Do not over plan your schedule. Leave space to wander, discover new voices and follow your curiosity. Some of the best LitFest moments happen when you least expect them.

Visit: emirateslitfest.com