The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature returns for the 15th time this February, and the selection of attendees span from Hollywood titans to authors and beyond. Boasting a programme with perhaps the most diverse lineup of guests in any literary event in the world, guests include emmy winning actor Brian Cox, master-storytellers Cecelia Ahern, Mohsin Hamid, Alexander McCall Smith and Jeffrey Archer; Indian politician Shashi Tharoor, and renowned religious commentator Reza Aslan. Those are just a few notable names among many.
the Festival will take place from 1-6 February 2023 at the Intercontinental Festival City, and across the Creek at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, with the two venues connected by an abra service across the water.
Ahlam Bolooki, Festival Director for the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature said:
“We are overjoyed at the amazing line-up we have secured to celebrate our 15th Year, welcoming old friends and new. We are so proud of what has been achieved in that time. We have welcomed almost 1700 writers to Dubai, who have transported us to new worlds and different times and introduced us to characters we might not have ordinarily met. Through discussion, dialogue, and stories, together we have made sense of the world, learnt about ourselves and each other, connected with and appreciated others’ viewpoints. We have ignited a passion for reading and words in the many thousands of children who have been inspired by meeting an author. We have been able to do all of this through the steadfast support of our title sponsor, Emirates, and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, who along with all our other partners and supporters, enable us to make the Festival happen. We are truly grateful and appreciative for all of their support over the years. We know we have made a difference and we couldn’t have done it without our old friends.”
Among the approximately 300 events that will be taking place between the venues, Brian Cox will speak about his life from humble beginnings to the big screen, panels will be help by other cultural icons including screenplay writers and multi million selling authors.
Check out the extended list of programmes and authors here.