Dubai LitFest opens today with art-themed events

Minister of Culture and Youth Noura Al Kaabi expressed her delight that the festival’s grandeur is maintained in spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic

- Imran Mojib

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, one of the cultural highlights of the year, begins on Friday with an exceptional line-up featuring Nobel prize-winner Malala Yousafzai, Elif Shafak, Amin Maalouf and Lemn Sissay.

Programme highlights also include internationally acclaimed authors and Booker nominees Avni Doshi (Burnt Sugar) and Oyinkan Braithwaite (My Sister the Serial Killer) and a day dedicated to Emirati talent.

There will be live appearances and virtual sessions across three weekends and three venues with an array of topics appealing to all - Jameel Arts Centre on Jan.29-30, the InterContinental Dubai Festival City from Feb.4-6, and Alserkal Avenue from Feb.12-13.

Minister of Culture and Youth Noura Al Kaabi expressed her delight that the festival’s grandeur is maintained in spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic.

“Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is undoubtedly one of the most significant cultural events in the country and the wider region. I am very happy to know that the line-up of speakers, both live and virtual, is no less impressive than in the previous editions,” she said.