Everything to know about the upcoming Emirates LitFest 15th anniversary

If you consider yourself a bookworm or have an interest in pop culture then read on.

One of the most anticipated events of the year is returning to Dubai to celebrate its 15th anniversary in the Emirates. Set to start on Wednesday, February 1 to 6, 2023, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will bring speakers, novelists and inspiring entrepreneurs to share their stories in the UAE.

The theme this year is titled Old Friends and guests can expect everything from live music and poetry performances out amongst the Dubai desert to film screenings, workshops, quiz nights, and dinner events celebrating some of the biggest names in literature. No matter what your interest is, there’s something for everyone!

From Legendary actor Brian Cox, Jeffrey Archer, Ben Miller and plant-based dinner curated by Top Chef Arabia Judge Bobby Quin and a panel discussion with TV stylist, Alexandra Schulman this year will all be present at the thriving hub of Emirates Litfest. A celebration of female empowerment will also be in place, bringing together key women of the UAE and discussing issues pertaining to women today and the obstacles faced when climbing the ladder.

For the little ones, comedians and authors David Walliams and Ben Miller join forces for the first time ever on the LitFest stage as they discuss their books and writing for a young, fun-loving audience.

We can also look forward to the signature Desert Stanzas event which transports visitors out to the desert dunes of Dubai desert to experience a night of poetry and unforgettable performances under the stars while serving up the best in Emirati cuisine and menus inspired by Kahlil Gibran’s famous poetry.

LitFest will be held at the InterContinental Hotel in Festival City and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Jaddaf for six days.  

Tickets start at AED25 and have different price points depending on the event type and the seating category. Festival goers can buy individual event tickets, or invest in a Festival pass that would allow them to attend as many general sessions as they want on a specific day or even during the whole Festival weekend and are available here