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Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will return for its 12th edition with new dates and a fresh format. Set to take place in Dubai from Feb.4-9, 2020, the homegrown festival is the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together with authors from around the world to promote the love of reading, writing and great conversation.

The new programme for the 2020 edition will host more than 130 sought-after international and local authors, exploring the topics that matter most. Audiences can expect a stellar line-up of writers of fiction and non-fiction, memoir, history, science, exploration, well-being, business leadership, children’s stories and much more.

Festival Director Ahlam Bolooki said, “No two festivals are ever the same, and we are very excited about the coming edition. The shorter format means all our authors will have a chance to meet and interact, and we can look forward to some spectacular panel discussions. Some old favourite Festival features will return along with new developments.”

“While it is still the community’s favourite festival, it will also be new and different. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to world-class writers and stimulating the conversations that matter most to us all. As always, the programme will offer something for everyone, whether they are compulsive readers or haven’t read a book in years and no matter where their interests lie,” she added.

The annual event in Dubai promotes books, reading and the richness of words in all their forms. It brings an appreciation and understanding of different cultures and how literature enhances all our lives. The Festival offers an opportunity to meet local and world-famous authors, attend literary debates and workshops, participate in competitions and be inspired by literary heroes.

Launched in 2009 with 65 authors through the hard work of passionate individuals from the local community and the support of founding partners Emirates and Dubai Culture, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature has grown rapidly. In 2019, it welcomed more than 180 authors from 40 countries around the world to entertain and engage more than 45,000 people.

Recognised for the impact it has had on promoting a reading culture in the UAE, and its extensive education outreach programme, it has won many awards, including Best Festival in the Middle East three times. A cherished feature of the Festival has been the close ties it has to its diverse community; an open feedback loop means it can consider its audiences’ wishes in its programme, format and even dates and times.

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is one of the world’s leading international literary festivals.

It is also the Arab World’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word. The annual event in Dubai promotes books, reading and the richness of words in all its forms. It brings an appreciation and understanding of different cultures and the ways in which literature enhances all our lives. Meet local and world-famous authors, attend literary debates and workshops, participate in competitions. and be inspired by your literary heroes.

Launched in 2009 with 65 authors, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature has grown continually and, in 2019, hosted 185 authors from countries around the world to entertain and educate more than 44,000visitors. Recognised for the impact it has had on promoting a reading culture in the UAE, and its extensive education outreach programme, it has won many awards, including Best Festival in the Middle East three times.

The Festival is organised by the Emirates Literature Foundation, which was established by Royal Decree in 2013.

The Emirates Literature Foundation, home of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, is a not-for-profit organisation that supports and nurtures a love of literature in the UAE and across the region through a programme of varied cultural initiatives.

Established in 2013 by Royal Decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, the Foundation aims to foster a life-long love for all literature.