- Ahmed and Rashed bin Shabib explore family legacy through storytelling.
- Visual artists reveal how comics became a modern Emirati medium.
- Award winning poet Shamma Al Bastaki revisits the city of memory.
- The festival blends poetry and music during an enchanting Arabian Night.
Dubai’s cultural pulse is set to quicken this January as the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature returns to its home at Dubai Festival City. From 21 to 27 January, the city will transform into a hub of shared hope and human connection. Among the hundreds of sessions, a specific curated track stands out, offering a cultural starter pack for anyone looking to understand the true essence of Emirati identity.
Modern explorers of culture are increasingly moving away from polished aesthetic statements toward “clean beauty” in narrative—seeking meaning, longevity, and emotional intelligence in the stories they consume. This shift mirrors a broader “eco-friendly” approach to cultural preservation, where oral histories and sensory archives are valued as much as written records. At LitFest 2026, the identity of the UAE is explored not just through books, but through the scents of oud and the tactile panels of contemporary comics.
The festival offers a layered journey into the past and future of the nation. Whether it is the Bin Shabib brothers reflecting on their grandfather’s oral legacy or Shamma Al Bastaki capturing the lyrical landscape of Old Dubai, the focus remains on the quiet histories that shape a collective memory. These sessions provide an aspirational look at a society in rapid transformation, proving that identity is documented, questioned, and re-imagined by every generation of creative thinkers.
- Bin Shabib brothers discuss family legacy and nation building stories
- Sultan Al Amimi reflects on the responsibility of the modern writer
- Artists explore how visual narratives capture everyday life in comics
- Sensory workshops dive into fragrance as a powerful archive of memory
In addition to deep literary dives, the festival celebrates the power of the sensory and the spectacular. One highlight includes an evening of “Arabian Nights” where the rhythmic sound of the qanoun meets traditional poetry under the stars. This reflects a commitment to bold innovation by merging ancient oral traditions with a modern festival setting. For those who enjoy a darker twist on heritage, the screening of the Emirati horror film Hoba offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of local cinema and storytelling.
Experience the rich lens of Emirati tradition and find your place in the city’s shared journey this month. Be part of the literary renaissance and witness how stories unite us as humans across every border.
Learn more about the full program and book your seats at the official Emirates Airline Festival of Literature website.
