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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Grand slam winners since July 2003
Who has won major titles since Wimbledon 2003 when Roger Federer won his first grand slam
Roger Federer 19 (8 Wimbledon, 5 Australian Open, 5 US Open, 1 French Open)
Rafael Nadal 16 (10 French Open, 3 US Open, 2 Wimbledon, 1 Australian Open)
Novak Djokovic 12 (6 Australian Open, 3 Wimbledon, 2 US Open, 1 French Open)
Andy Murray 3 (2 Wimbledon, 1 US Open)
Stan Wawrinka 3 (1 Australian Open, 1 French Open, 1 US Open)
Andy Roddick 1 (1 US Open)
Gaston Gaudio 1 (1 French Open)
Marat Safin 1 (1 Australian Open)
Juan Martin del Potro 1 (1 US Open)
Marin Cilic 1 (1 US Open)
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Teaching in coronavirus times
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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The specs
BMW M8 Competition Coupe
Engine 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8
Power 625hp at 6,000rpm
Torque 750Nm from 1,800-5,800rpm
Gearbox Eight-speed paddleshift auto
Acceleration 0-100kph in 3.2 sec
Top speed 305kph
Fuel economy, combined 10.6L / 100km
Price from Dh700,000 (estimate)
On sale Jan/Feb 2020
One in nine do not have enough to eat
Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.
One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.
The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.
Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.
It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.
On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.
Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.
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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
READ MORE ABOUT CORONAVIRUS
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
STAR%20WARS%20JEDI%3A%20SURVIVOR
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Respawn%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Electronic%20Arts%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PC%2C%20Playstation%205%2C%20Xbox%20Series%20X%20and%20S%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog
Prefers vegetables and fish to meat and would choose salad over pizza
Walks daily as part of regular exercise routine
France is her favourite country to visit
Has written books and manuals on women’s education, first aid and health for the family
Family: Husband, three sons and a daughter
Fathiya Nadhari's instructions to her children was to give back to the country
The children worked as young volunteers in social, education and health campaigns
Her motto is to never stop working for the country
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Mumbai Indians 213/6 (20 ov)
Royal Challengers Bangalore 167/8 (20 ov)
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
FA CUP FINAL
Manchester City 6
(D Silva 26', Sterling 38', 81', 87', De Bruyne 61', Jesus 68')
Watford 0
Man of the match: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
