22 new sessions have been added to the programme, bringing the total number of events to 75. Tickets for all workshops, readings, and discussions are now on sale from http://tickets.emirateslitfest.com and selected Magrudy’s shops.

Additions to Day 1 of the programme (Wednesday 10th March)

In a session entitled ‘Inspiration’, the trio of Bahaa Taher, Yann Martel and Imtiaz Dharker will reveal how and why they write, and what drives them to do so. Prize-winning Egyptian author Yousef Ziedan will take to the stage for an ‘In Conversation’ event, where he will read from his novel Azazil (Beelzebub) and speak about the book’s tumultuous publication, and the impact of winning the ‘Arabic Booker’. In a talk specially prepared for the Festival, bestselling business author and public speaker Robert Greene will give his perspective on the global economic crisis, weaving in examples from history to his own theories. His talk is entitled, ‘From Napoleon to Google: Strategies for Success in a Brave New World.’

Additions to Day 2 of the programme (Thursday 11th March)

Fans of crime novels take note! Leading writers in the genre, including RJ Ellory, Mark Billingham and Jeffrey Deaver will come together for the first time in the ‘Crime Writers’ Panel’. In ‘You Can’t Slander the Dead’, Francis Wheen and DJ Taylor will analyse the art of biography, discussing their choice of subjects and the challenges and potential pitfalls of tackling political and literary giants such as these. Well known Emirati poet Mohammed Khalifa bin Hadher will delight audiences with an ‘In Conversation’ event and poetry reading. Distinguished historian and winner of numerous international prizes Margaret Macmillan will also take part in a session on Day 2.

Additions to Day 3 of the programme (Friday 12th March)

Day 3 will begin and end with tributes to two of the greatest and most influential Arabic voices. In ‘Remembering Tayeb Salih’, Bahaa Taher, Leila Abouleila and Denys Johnson-Davies will pay tribute to the famous writer. Imtiaz Dharker and Fadhil al-Azzawi will perform select readings of their work in their ‘Readings & Conversation’ event. Later, in a keenly awaited ‘In Conversation’ event, William Dalrymple will talk about his first travel book for more than 10 years. Ghada Karmi and Isabel Fonseca will both take part in solo ‘In Conversation’ events. Join Khaled Al-Budoor, Nujoom Al-Ghanem, Khulood Al-Mu’alla, Ahmed Rashid Thani for ‘An Evening with 4 Emirati Poets’. In a first for the Festival, we will pay tribute to poet Sargon Boulos by previewing a new short film in which he reads and speaks about his work.

Additions to Day 4 of the programme (Saturday 13th March)

Arab literature takes centre stage on the last day of the Festival with two major events: 'Arabs Writing from Afar', featuring Samer Abou Hawwash, Iman Mersal, Amjad Nasser, Sam Shimon and Bahaa Taher, and a discussion on ‘The Arab Novel’ by Turki al-Hamad and Alwiyya Sobh. In ‘Author & Translator’, Yann Martel, Samer Abou Hawwash, Abdo Khal and Anthony Calderbank will explore the relationship between authors and their translators. ‘From Page to Screen: Secrets of Successful Adaptation’ will see leading writers Vikas Swarup, Mark Billingham and Chris Cleave debate what makes for a successful adaptation. Maha Gargash’s ‘In Conversation’ event will discuss how she has broken away from the traditional role of women in the UAE to fulfil her ambitions. Robert Lacey’s second appearance at the Festival will see him take part in a panel discussion on Saudi Arabia today. We are excited to give audiences an exclusive festival preview of an exciting collection of the best new writing from the Arab world, by thirty-nine of its brightest young literary stars in a session entitled ‘Beirut 39: New Writing from the Arab World.’ At the end of day 4, Amit Chaudhuri will join Alexander McCall Smith for a magical ‘Words & Music ‘event which will knit together the two art forms.