The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will return from April 15 to April 22, 2027, marking the first time the event has shifted from its traditional winter schedule. The calendar change introduces a new seasonal setting for the Arab world’s largest literary festival while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a regional hub for books, publishing, and cultural exchange.
Organised by the Emirates Literature Foundation, the festival’s 19th edition will bring together internationally acclaimed authors, emerging writers, educators, and readers for eight days of literary discussions, creative workshops, and cultural experiences across two of Dubai’s most distinctive venues.
Festival Expands Across Historic and Modern Dubai
The 2027 edition will span two key locations, blending Dubai’s cultural heritage with its contemporary cityscape. Dar Al Adaab, located in the historic Al Shindagha district, will host poetry evenings, literary conversations, and cultural dialogues in an intimate setting.
Meanwhile, the InterContinental Hotel at Dubai Festival City will serve as the festival’s primary venue, welcoming major author discussions, publishing masterclasses, panel sessions, and family-focused activities throughout the week.
The move to April offers visitors and residents a different perspective on Dubai’s cultural calendar while creating new opportunities to explore the city’s growing literary scene. Over nearly two decades, the festival has evolved into one of the Middle East’s leading cultural events, attracting globally recognised authors, Nobel laureates, journalists, academics, and public figures.
‘Heroes’ Inspires 2027 Student Competitions
Ahead of the festival, the Emirates Literature Foundation has unveiled the official 2027 theme, “Heroes,” alongside the launch of its annual student competitions designed to encourage creative writing across the region.
The Oxford University Press Story Writing Competition will invite students to develop original works of fiction inspired by the theme. In addition, the Letter Writing Competition will encourage participants to write handwritten letters to real, historical, or fictional individuals whose actions have inspired positive change.
The competitions have become an established part of the festival’s educational programme, providing young writers with opportunities to develop storytelling skills while engaging with themes that encourage creativity, empathy, and critical thinking.
Global Authors, Literary Debates and Youth Activities Return
The eight-day programme is expected to feature more than 100 international and regional authors, journalists, poets, and thought leaders. Visitors can look forward to author conversations, live debates, question-and-answer sessions, and discussions exploring topics ranging from contemporary fiction and history to artificial intelligence in publishing and climate-focused storytelling.
The festival’s signature opening experience will once again combine spoken-word poetry with traditional Emirati music in an outdoor setting, celebrating the intersection of literature and local culture.
Young readers and aspiring writers will also benefit from an expanded Youth Programme featuring interactive storytelling sessions, illustration workshops, and school visits from well-known children’s authors. These activities remain a cornerstone of the festival’s mission to promote reading, literacy, and creative expression among the next generation.
Additional details, including ticket sales, participating authors, and the full programme schedule, will be announced in the coming months through the Emirates Literature Foundation.
With its move to spring, an inspiring new theme, and a programme spanning heritage, education, and global literary dialogue, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2027 is set to open a new chapter for one of the region’s most influential cultural events while further strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a destination for arts, ideas, and creativity.