Being known as the region’s largest celebration of the written and spoken world, while encouraging homegrown talent and visitors of all ages to interact with their favourite writers, the programme for the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature has been set.
The event aims to promote debates and share a mutual love for both reading and writing with similar-minded individuals and is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
With the next edition of the festival all set to begin from January 29 to February 13, the programme will be held slightly differently featuring virtual sessions in the field of art, science, current affairs, film, food and performance. With live streams taking a front seat, there’s a chance for everyone to attend. In partnership with founding partners Emirates Airline and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the festival returns with an exciting mix of live and virtual sessions.
Ahlam Bolooki, festival director for the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature said: “The world has shifted since the 2020 Festival, and we have all been changed by the events of the last year. Although circumstances have meant that some of the usual elements of our Festival are not possible for 2021, we are thrilled to be able to stage live sessions again.”
To name a few speakers, the inspiring women’s rights activist Malala, who’s also the youngest Nobel Prize laureate is all set to share her story, mission and vision for the future. Talal Al Buhairi is to take a look at tradition through a modern lens, in particular assessing how social media corrupts our perception of the real world by adding a focus on the Arab Worlds, Behavioural specialist, leadership coach and author Thomas Erikson, author of the runaway bestseller, , will be giving insights into how we can communicate more effectively with our colleagues along with many more inspiring individuals will be conduction workshops and exclusive talks.
While being compliant with the COVID-19 prevention regulations, social distancing measures will be adhered to across all venues, with fewer tickets available for each session due to the limitations being priced at Dhs60 for adults and Dhs40 for children, the digital pass will also be available with live-streamed sessions from home at Dhs100. Tickets will go on sale for general release on January 4, 2021.
