Dubai, UAE-: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is back this year, promising six days filled with unforgettable stories, profound conversations, and captivating activities. Running from 29 January to 3 February 2025 at the InterContinental, Dubai Festival City, this iconic event is a must for book lovers, budding writers, and culture seekers alike.
Here’s your guide to five unmissable sessions from Emirates LitFest 2025, happening on each day of the festival:
Start your creative writing journey with Harriet Griffey (Workshop)
Date: Wednesday, 29 January and Thursday, 30 January, 10am – 4pm; Location: Al Amwaj Ballroom
Price: AED 2,000 (includes lunch at InterContinental on both days)
Always dreamed about writing but don’t know where to begin? The Start Writing Boot Camp led by Harriet Griffey, an ex-publisher, journalist, and self-help author, offers you a chance to bring your story concepts to life. During this two-day immersive workshop, the British writing mentor – who also trained as a nurse and life coach and brings her various experiences to her craft – will guide you in discovering your tone of voice, developing engaging narrative outlines, and enhancing your confidence in your craft. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or have some experience in storytelling, her workshop aims to assist you in building a strong base for your writing endeavours.
Discover the mystical magic of poetry under the stars (Special Event)
Date: Thursday, 30 January, 7pm – 9pm; Location: Desert Camp, Caravanserai
Price: AED 425 (includes dinner)
Imagine a serene evening listening to poetry and spoken word in the heart of the desert. Desert Stanzas offers an unparalleled experience of connection and celebration, with a stellar line-up of local and international poets including Safiya Sinclair, Khairani Barokka, and Khalid Albudoor. Set against a backdrop of golden dunes and a twinkling night sky, this event embodies the storytelling spirit of the festival. Don’t miss the chance to experience literary magic and enjoy a delightful buffet dinner under the stars.
Laugh out loud with Greg Heffley (Family Activities)
Date: Friday, 31 January, 4 PM – 5 PM; Location: Story Dunes, InterContinental
Price: AED 240
Jeff Kinney is back to introduce his latest book, Hot Mess, the 19th instalment of the much-loved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Join this side-splitting session as Jeff unpacks the bumbling but loveable Greg Heffley’s newest adventures, complete with family antics, mysterious meatball recipes, and beach house disasters. There’s even a chance for audience members to join a light-hearted onstage competition. Recommended for ages six and up, this is pure family fun you won’t want to miss out on.
Late night laughs and unqualified advice (LitFest After Hours)
Date: Saturday, 1 February, 7.30 PM – 8.30 PM; Location: Khor Pavilion
Price: Free
Need some offbeat guidance on life, love, or career conundrums? You’re in luck! Unqualified But Here For It brings a riotous after-hours vibe to the festival. Hosted by the multitalented UAE-based artist Danabelle Gutierrez, this laugh-out-loud session features festival stars like American novelist Mateo Askaripour and veteran English actress Alison Steadman as they hilariously dish out unsolicited advice to burning questions submitted by the audience. Expect chaos, clever wit, and so much fun — plus, it won’t cost you a dirham!
Uncover the power of fiction – past and present (Conversations)
Date: Sunday, 2 February (two sessions); Location: Al Baraha III Ballroom (1 PM – 2 PM), Al Ras III Ballroom (2 PM – 3 PM)
Price: AED 75 per session
Head into two back-to-back sessions that take a deep dive into different aspects of fiction writing. Start the afternoon with literary stalwarts Abdulrazak Gurnah and Chigozie Obioma in Revelatory Fictions, as the Nobel Prize-winning Tanzanian-British author and the Booker Prize-shortlisted Nigerian writer highlight how fiction can bridge divides and foster empathy in polarised times. Then, shift from present-day relevance to History Lessons, where celebrated Indian-American novelist Abraham Verghese and Australian author Pip Williams discuss unearthing forgotten voices through rich, multilayered historical fiction. With these two thought-provoking back-to-back sessions, you’ll explore the dual power of storytelling to connect us in the now and reflect on the past.
Whether you’re here for poetry under the stars, expert advice on writing, or just want to laugh your way through some late-night shenanigans, Emirates LitFest 2025 promises something for everyone.
