The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2024 commenced with a vibrant gala night, welcoming poets and authors from the UAE, the Arab region, and around the globe. This year’s festival promises a rich tapestry of literary events, book launches, and performances, running from February 1 to February 6.
Key Takeaways
- The festival opened with a gala featuring renowned writers and performances.
- Eight new titles were launched, focusing on Emirati and expat narratives.
- Special events and book signings are scheduled from February 3 to 5.
A Night of Celebration
The festival kicked off on Wednesday night with engaging discussions led by prominent writers such as Saud Al Sanousi, Ben Okri, and Claudia Rankine. Their insights captivated the audience, setting a tone of inspiration and creativity for the days to come.
Following the discussions, performances by talented artists including Amal Al Sahlawi, Hala Alyan, and Ammar Ashkar added a dynamic flair to the evening, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
New Literary Releases
This year, ELF Publishing, the publishing arm of the Emirates Literature Foundation, is launching eight new titles that reflect the diverse stories of the UAE. The focus is on preserving the oral history of the region through written narratives. Notable releases include:
- The Girl of the Arabs – A collection of works by Emirati Nabti poet Ousha Bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi, compiled by Dr. Rafia Ghubash and translated by Dr. Nadia Khawandanah.
- Rose’s Diary – An English translation of Reem Al Kamali’s work, shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction 2022.
- Aisha’s Cake – A sequel to ‘Aisha’s Pearl’ by Julia Johnson, illustrated by Maitha Al Khayat.
- A Dragon Called Blue – A picture book for children by Ebtisam Al Beiti, illustrated by Timotius A Gracious.
- The Encyclopedia of the UAE – An interactive guide by Francesca Afleck about the history, geography, and culture of the Emirates.
- Out of This World – A photo journal by UAE Minister of Youth Dr. Sultan Saif Al Neyadi, detailing his six-month mission aboard the International Space Station.
Supporting Local Voices
Ahlam Bolooki, Managing Director of ELF Publishing, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to discovering and promoting unique narratives from the region. She stated, "By translating Arabic works into English, we amplify the reach of our local talents and create opportunities for sustainable writing careers."
The festival aims to foster a vibrant literary community, encouraging aspiring writers to share their manuscripts for consideration. Bolooki expressed excitement about uncovering new authors and stories that resonate on both local and global stages.
Upcoming Events
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will feature a series of events from February 3 to 5, including book signings, discussions, and workshops. All newly launched books will be available for purchase at Magrudys bookstores, both online and in physical locations across the UAE.
As the festival unfolds, it promises to be a celebration of literature, creativity, and cultural exchange, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the world of words and stories.
