A Full Guide to Emirates Lit Fest 2026 for Booklovers

Book lovers, writers, storytellers and culture fans alike are gearing up for the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2026, one of the most anticipated literary events in the Middle East. Returning to Dubai from 21–27 January 2026, the festival promises a vibrant and immersive celebration of books, ideas, creativity and community at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, with key discussions, performances and activities for all ages.

Dates, Venue & Overall Experience

The Emirates LitFest will run across seven days in January, offering a rich programme of conversations, panels, workshops and cultural performances. Most sessions take place at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, easily accessible by metro, bus, taxi or car, and set against the scenic backdrop of Dubai Creek.

In addition to indoor talks and panels, the Festival also features unique experiences like Desert Stanzas, a signature open-air poetry and performance event set under the stars — a perfect blend of literature, music and Emirati cultural ambience.

Star-Studded Line-Up of Authors & Speakers

2026’s LitFest boasts an exciting international and regional roster of more than 200 speakers, including bestselling novelists, award-winning authors, poets, journalists, cultural commentators and creative thinkers. Highlights include renowned names such as Vir Das, Ruth Ware, Samantha Shannon, Ezzat Elkamhawi, Plestia Alaqad, and Caleb Azumah Nelson, alongside celebrated Emirati and Arab voices like Ali Al Mazmi and Salha Obaid.

These authors will take part in diverse sessions — from fiction and memoir to storytelling craft, cultural dialogues and discussions that reflect on current global themes. Whether you love mysteries, fantasy, memoir or world literature, the variety ensures there’s something for every reader.

Key Themes and Festival Strands

To help visitors navigate its packed programme, Emirates Lit Fest 2026 is organised into themed strands, including:

• State of Now – conversations on current affairs, identity, media and the world today
• Fantastic Fiction – sessions with novelists discussing craft, world-building and storytelling
• How To – practical talks focused on writing, creativity, wellbeing and personal growth
• Bil Arabi – Arabic-language sessions spotlighting regional voices and narratives
• LitFest After Hours – evening events featuring comedy, spoken word and live performances
• LitFest Families – interactive sessions, readings and activities designed for children and teens

Important Workshops Not to Miss

Workshops are a major highlight of Emirates Lit Fest and often sell out quickly. In 2026, attendees can expect hands-on masterclasses covering:

• Creative writing and fiction craft, led by award-winning novelists
• Memoir and personal essay workshops focusing on voice and lived experience
• Journalism and storytelling in the digital age, ideal for aspiring reporters and content creators
• Poetry and spoken-word sessions, combining performance with technique
• Young writers’ workshops, designed to nurture talent among children and teenagers

These smaller, interactive sessions are ideal for anyone looking to sharpen their skills or receive direct guidance from established writers.

Tickets, Passes and How to Book

Tickets for Emirates Lit Fest 2026 are expected to go on sale towards the end of 2025 via the official festival website. Visitors can choose from:

• Single-session tickets for individual talks or performances
• Day passes for flexible access to multiple events
• Themed passes such as Conversations Pass or Bil Arabi Pass
• Foundation Friends memberships, which offer early booking access, priority seating and exclusive benefits

Given the popularity of headline sessions and workshops, booking early is strongly recommended.

Tips for First-Time Attendees

• Arrive early for popular sessions, as many events fill up quickly.
• Choose passes based on your interests — whether you’re focused on Arab literature, global voices, workshops, or family activities.
• Use the app to build a personalised schedule and receive real-time updates.
• Explore beyond the venue — the surrounding Festival City area offers dining, shopping and cultural attractions to enjoy before or after sessions.

Whether you’re a devoted reader, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about global literary culture, Emirates LitFest 2026 offers a rich tapestry of voices and experiences. Mark your calendars, explore the schedule, and prepare to be part of one of the most dynamic celebrations of the written and spoken word in the region.