Emirates Lit Fest 2026 Line Up Revealed Feat. R.F. Kuang, Plestia Alaqad, and Vir Das
A rich blend of literary stars, regional talent & cultural conversations at Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2026
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature returns in a grand fashion for its 18th edition, running from January 21–27, 2026 at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City.
The 2026 line-up promises to be its most diverse yet, featuring over 200 speakers from 40 countries, with sessions spanning popular fiction, Arabic literature, poetry, non-fiction, and even interactive performances.
At the heart of the international programme is R.F. Kuang, the acclaimed author behind the provocative novel Yellowface. Making her LitFest debut, Kuang will bring her sharp insight into the worlds of writing, identity, and representation.
On the regional front, Plestia Alaqad, the Palestinian journalist, poet and author, joins the arena of Arabic literary voices. Her participation underscores the festival’s continued commitment to elevating voices from the Arab world.
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The festival isn’t limiting itself to just literature: the inclusion of Vir Das, the Indian comedian, actor, and author, signals a playful and cross-disciplinary expansion. While not mentioned explicitly in the National News report, the festival’s programme for 2026 confirms a special session with him titled “Vir Das: The Outsider,” adding humour, memoir, and cultural commentary to the festival mix.
Veteran legal thriller writer Scott Turow is also slated to appear, offering audiences a chance to delve into his distinguished career that has helped shape modern courtroom fiction.
Back home, Emirati talent remains deeply woven into the festival fabric. Poets like Ali Al Mazmi and Shamma Al Bastaki, novelists such as Reem Al Kamali, and other Gulf voices will feature in a diverse set of discussions, workshops, and performance nights.
Signature festival events will also return — including Desert Stanzas, an open-air night of poetry under the stars, and LitFest After Hours, which offers music, storytelling, and comedy when the sun goes down.
Leading the festival, Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, called the 2026 edition “inclusive” and said it continues to “inspire curiosity and foster connection.”
With a blend of heavyweight literary figures, rising regional voices, and cross-genre performers, Emirates LitFest 2026 is poised to be a cultural celebration — inviting readers and writers alike to pause, reflect, and rediscover the uniting power of stories.