Elif Shafak and Malala Yousafzai will both make virtual appearances at the 2021 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. AFP, Reuters
Elif Shafak and Malala Yousafzai will both make virtual appearances at the 2021 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. AFP, Reuters
Elif Shafak and Malala Yousafzai will both make virtual appearances at the 2021 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. AFP, Reuters
Elif Shafak and Malala Yousafzai will both make virtual appearances at the 2021 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. AFP, Reuters

11 must-see sessions at the 2021 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature: From Malala Yousafzai to Elif Shafak


Razmig Bedirian
  • English
  • Arabic

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature begins on Friday, taking place over three weekends in a format that reinvigorates the popular annual event.

This year's festival, which runs until February 13, will adopt a hybrid approach, hosting live appearances from several regional and international authors, as well as online sessions embracing literature, art, science and film.

A number of literary heavyweights are scheduled to appear at the event, including Elif Shafak, Amin Maalouf and Lemn Sissay, and Dubai's own Booker Prize-finalist Avni Doshi.

Many of the sessions, which for the first time in the festival's history will be held across several venues, will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend. Sessions will open at the Jameel Arts Centre, move on to the InterContinental Dubai – Festival City, where 80 workshops and performances are scheduled to take place, before wrapping up at Alserkal Avenue.

Here's our pick of 11 of the best sessions at this year's Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.

Avni Doshi: 'Burnt Sugar'

Avni Doshi made headlines last year after her novel Burnt Sugar was shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize.

Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi published by Hamish Hamilton. Courtesy Penguin UK
Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi published by Hamish Hamilton. Courtesy Penguin UK

The Indian-American writer, who lives in Dubai, is believed to be the first author residing in the UAE to be nominated for the prize. Doshi will be appearing on the first day of the festival to discuss her journey to publication, elaborating on her lengthy redrafting process, followed by the competition among publishers to get the rights to the finished novel.

When: Friday; 5.30pm-6.30pm

Where: Amphitheatre, Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront

The Future of the Arabic Language

In this session, Noura Al Kaabi, the UAE's Minister of Culture and Youth, will lead a talk that unveils a major new study that explores how Arabic is faring relative to other languages, also discussing trends that the publishing industry should be aware of, and whether people are reading in Arabic for pleasure.

Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth. Courtesy UAE Ministry of Culture & Youth
Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth. Courtesy UAE Ministry of Culture & Youth

When: Thursday, February 4; 12.30pm-1.30pm

Where: Al Baraha 3, InterContinental Dubai – Festival City

Publishing in a Time of Crisis

In this session, Emirati writer, critic and researcher Fatima Albreiki, who is the founder of Sama House for Publishing, Production &Distribution, will meet Talal Salim Alsaabri, Emirati publisher and founder of Jumeira Publishing House, to discuss the industry's response to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the innovations that have arisen as a result of this challenging time.

When: Thursday, February 4; 12.30pm-1.30pm

Where: Al Baraha 1, InterContinental Dubai – Festival City

Sultan Al Ameemi: The Human Face of Literature

Emirati writer, poet and researcher Sultan Al Ameemi will discuss how literature can help us achieve inner peace and make us more loving and understanding with "the other". Al Ameemi has published many novels and short story collections in the UAE. His novel, One Room is Not Enough, was longlisted for the 2017 International Prize for Arabic Fiction.

When: Thursday, February 4; 4pm-5pm

Where: Al Ras 1, InterContinental Dubai – Festival City

Amin Maalouf: 'Adrift'

Renowned Samarkand novelist Amin Maalouf will appear at the festival to discuss his newest release, Adrift, which attempts to make sense of a world laboured by political upheavals and economic recessions.

Lebanese-born French novelist Amin Maalouf will appear at the 2021 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. Reem Mohammed / The National
Lebanese-born French novelist Amin Maalouf will appear at the 2021 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. Reem Mohammed / The National

In Adrift, the Lebanese-French author uses his personal experiences to map out some turning points in regional geopolitics while addressing the global threats that face us as a species.

When: Thursday, February 4; 8pm-8.30pm

Where: Al Ras 3, InterContinental Dubai – Festival City

Bolu Babalola: 'Love in Colour'

In this session, British writer Bolu Babalola will share the inspiration behind her critically acclaimed book, Love in Colour: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold. The anthology of love stories takes on Western and astern mythology with a fresh approach, highlighting myths from West Africa and beyond.

When: Friday, February 5; 12.30pm-1.30pm

Where: Al Ras 1, InterContinental Dubai – Festival City

Oyinkan Braithwaite: 'My Sister, the Serial Killer'

In My Sister, the Serial Killer, Nigerian-British novelist Oyinkan Braithwaite humorously blends familial responsibility and love with sibling rivalry. Braithwaite will be discussing her dark-comedy novel in a not-to-be-missed session during the festival's second weekend.

When: Friday, February 5; 5.30pm-6.30pm

Where: Al Ras 1, InterContinental Dubai – Festival City

Elif Shafak in Conversation

With her ability to tell thoughtful, personal and insightful stories, Turkish-British writer Elif Shafak has become one of contemporary literature’s most formidable figures.

Elif Shafak virtually attended the 2021 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. Alamy
Elif Shafak virtually attended the 2021 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. Alamy

Shafak, who has published 18 books that have been translated into more than 50 languages, will appear virtually at the festival to discuss her writing approach, as well as the importance of bridging the gap between the East and the West.

When: Saturday, February 6; 4pm-5pm

Where: Al Ras 3, InterContinental Dubai – Festival City

Malala Yousafzai in Conversation

Despite an attempt on her life by the Taliban in 2012, Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai has been an unwavering advocate for girls’ rights to education.

Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai is scheduled to appear at the 2021 iteration of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. AFP
Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai is scheduled to appear at the 2021 iteration of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. AFP

Now a fresh graduate from the University of Oxford in politics, philosophy and economics, Yousafzai will appear virtually at the festival to give insights she learnt from her fight against the systematic exclusion of children and girls from education, and the necessity of mustering a revolutionary voice.

When: Saturday, February 6; 5pm-6pm

Where: Al Riwaq 2,InterContinental Dubai – Festival City

Immanuel Kim: 'Friend: A Novel from North Korea'

This session offers the rare chance to learn more about the literary culture of North Korea. The talk features North Korean literature specialist Immanuel Kim, who is also the translator of Paek Nam-nyong's novel Friend, which is one of few from the country to reach an international audience, and the only state-sanctioned novel to receive an English translation.

Kim's online session will explore the social contexts that led to the publication of Friend, and give insights into how North Korean authors approach their characters' emotional and psychological lives.

Where: Saturday, February 6; 6.30pm-7.30pm

When: Al Baraha 1, InterContinental Dubai – Festival City

Lemn Sissay: 'My Name is Why'

Lemn Sissay will attend the festival to discuss his riveting and inspiring memoir My Name is Why. Up until he was 17 years old, the English author didn't know what his real name was, having been brought up in a number of foster and care homes against his mother's wishes.

In this session, Sissay will reflect on the response to his memoir, while delving into his writing life and what his experiences have taught him.

When: Saturday, February 13; 3.30pm-4.30pm

Where: Concrete, Alserkal Avenue

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Read more:

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2021: Malala Yousafzai, Amin Maalouf and Elif Shafak among line-up

Elif Shafak’s ‘The Architect’s Apprentice’ chosen by Duchess of Cornwall for new book club

_________________

Cricket World Cup League 2

UAE squad

Rahul Chopra (captain), Aayan Afzal Khan, Ali Naseer, Aryansh Sharma, Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Waseem, Omid Rahman, Rahul Bhatia, Tanish Suri, Vishnu Sukumaran, Vriitya Aravind

Fixtures

Friday, November 1 – Oman v UAE
Sunday, November 3 – UAE v Netherlands
Thursday, November 7 – UAE v Oman
Saturday, November 9 – Netherlands v UAE

Results

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Rawat Al Reef, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Abdallah Al Hammadi (trainer)

5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Noof KB, Richard Mullen, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Seven Skies, Bernardo Pinheiro, Qaiss Aboud

6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Jabalini, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7pm: UAE Arabian Derby – Prestige (PA) Dh150,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Dergham Athbah, Richard Mullen, Mohamed Daggash

7.30pm: Emirates Championship – Group 1 (PA) Dh1,000,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle

8pm: Abu Dhabi Championship – Group 3 (TB) Dh380,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Irish Freedom, Antonio Fresu, Satish Seemar

The%20Afghan%20connection
%3Cp%3EThe%20influx%20of%20talented%20young%20Afghan%20players%20to%20UAE%20cricket%20could%20have%20a%20big%20impact%20on%20the%20fortunes%20of%20both%20countries.%20Here%20are%20three%20Emirates-based%20players%20to%20watch%20out%20for.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EHassan%20Khan%20Eisakhil%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EMohammed%20Nabi%20is%20still%20proving%20his%20worth%20at%20the%20top%20level%20but%20there%20is%20another%20reason%20he%20is%20raging%20against%20the%20idea%20of%20retirement.%20If%20the%20allrounder%20hangs%20on%20a%20little%20bit%20longer%2C%20he%20might%20be%20able%20to%20play%20in%20the%20same%20team%20as%20his%20son%2C%20Hassan%20Khan.%20The%20family%20live%20in%20Ajman%20and%20train%20in%20Sharjah.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMasood%20Gurbaz%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EThe%20opening%20batter%2C%20who%20trains%20at%20Sharjah%20Cricket%20Academy%2C%20is%20another%20player%20who%20is%20a%20part%20of%20a%20famous%20family.%20His%20brother%2C%20Rahmanullah%2C%20was%20an%20IPL%20winner%20with%20Kolkata%20Knight%20Riders%2C%20and%20opens%20the%20batting%20with%20distinction%20for%20Afghanistan.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOmid%20Rahman%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EThe%20fast%20bowler%20became%20a%20pioneer%20earlier%20this%20year%20when%20he%20became%20the%20first%20Afghan%20to%20represent%20the%20UAE.%20He%20showed%20great%20promise%20in%20doing%20so%2C%20too%2C%20playing%20a%20key%20role%20in%20the%20senior%20team%E2%80%99s%20qualification%20for%20the%20Asia%20Cup%20in%20Muscat%20recently.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E261hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E400Nm%20at%201%2C750-4%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.5L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C999%20(VX%20Luxury)%3B%20from%20Dh149%2C999%20(VX%20Black%20Gold)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Pros%20and%20cons%20of%20BNPL
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPros%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EEasy%20to%20use%20and%20require%20less%20rigorous%20credit%20checks%20than%20traditional%20credit%20options%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EOffers%20the%20ability%20to%20spread%20the%20cost%20of%20purchases%20over%20time%2C%20often%20interest-free%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EConvenient%20and%20can%20be%20integrated%20directly%20into%20the%20checkout%20process%2C%20useful%20for%20online%20shopping%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHelps%20facilitate%20cash%20flow%20planning%20when%20used%20wisely%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECons%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20ease%20of%20making%20purchases%20can%20lead%20to%20overspending%20and%20accumulation%20of%20debt%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMissing%20payments%20can%20result%20in%20hefty%20fees%20and%2C%20in%20some%20cases%2C%20high%20interest%20rates%20after%20an%20initial%20interest-free%20period%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EFailure%20to%20make%20payments%20can%20impact%20credit%20score%20negatively%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERefunds%20can%20be%20complicated%20and%20delayed%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ECourtesy%3A%20Carol%20Glynn%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut

Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”

Green ambitions
  • Trees: 1,500 to be planted, replacing 300 felled ones, with veteran oaks protected
  • Lake: Brown's centrepiece to be cleaned of silt that makes it as shallow as 2.5cm
  • Biodiversity: Bat cave to be added and habitats designed for kingfishers and little grebes
  • Flood risk: Longer grass, deeper lake, restored ponds and absorbent paths all meant to siphon off water 

Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
​​​​​​​Penguin Press

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
RACE CARD

6.30pm: Baniyas Group 2 (PA) Dh 97,500 (Dirt) 1,400m.

7.05pm Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,200m

7.40pm Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,400m

8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,400m

8.50pm Rated Conditions (TB) Dh 120,000 (D) 1,600m

9.25pm Handicap (TB) Dh 95,000 (D) 1,200m

10pm Handicap (TB) Dh 85,000 (D) 2,000m

Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.

Based: Riyadh

Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany

Founded: September, 2020

Number of employees: 70

Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions

Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds  

Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

 

 

Company%C2%A0profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPyppl%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEstablished%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2017%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAntti%20Arponen%20and%20Phil%20Reynolds%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20financial%20services%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2418.5%20million%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEmployees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20150%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20series%20A%2C%20closed%20in%202021%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20venture%20capital%20companies%2C%20international%20funds%2C%20family%20offices%2C%20high-net-worth%20individuals%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE%20athletes%20heading%20to%20Paris%202024
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEquestrian%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EAbdullah%20Humaid%20Al%20Muhairi%2C%20Abdullah%20Al%20Marri%2C%20Omar%20Al%20Marzooqi%2C%20Salem%20Al%20Suwaidi%2C%20and%20Ali%20Al%20Karbi%20(four%20to%20be%20selected).%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EJudo%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMen%3A%20Narmandakh%20Bayanmunkh%20(66kg)%2C%20Nugzari%20Tatalashvili%20(81kg)%2C%20Aram%20Grigorian%20(90kg)%2C%20Dzhafar%20Kostoev%20(100kg)%2C%20Magomedomar%20Magomedomarov%20(%2B100kg)%3B%20women's%20Khorloodoi%20Bishrelt%20(52kg).%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECycling%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESafia%20Al%20Sayegh%20(women's%20road%20race).%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESwimming%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMen%3A%20Yousef%20Rashid%20Al%20Matroushi%20(100m%20freestyle)%3B%20women%3A%20Maha%20Abdullah%20Al%20Shehi%20(200m%20freestyle).%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAthletics%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMaryam%20Mohammed%20Al%20Farsi%20(women's%20100%20metres).%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Power: 480hp at 6,500rpm

Torque: 570Nm from 2,300-5,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Fuel consumption: 10.4L/100km

Price: from Dh547,600

On sale: now 

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

LIKELY TEAMS

South Africa
Faf du Plessis (captain), Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Lungi Ngidi.

India (from)
Virat Kohli (captain), Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik (wkt), Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.

Tell-tale signs of burnout

- loss of confidence and appetite

- irritability and emotional outbursts

- sadness

- persistent physical ailments such as headaches, frequent infections and fatigue

- substance abuse, such as smoking or drinking more

- impaired judgement

- excessive and continuous worrying

- irregular sleep patterns

 

Tips to help overcome burnout

Acknowledge how you are feeling by listening to your warning signs. Set boundaries and learn to say ‘no’

Do activities that you want to do as well as things you have to do

Undertake at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. It releases an abundance of feel-good hormones

Find your form of relaxation and make time for it each day e.g. soothing music, reading or mindful meditation

Sleep and wake at the same time every day, even if your sleep pattern was disrupted. Without enough sleep condition such as stress, anxiety and depression can thrive.