Mourid Barghouti, the internationally acclaimed poet, novelist and essayist, has confirmed his attendance at the fourth Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. The Festival will be held from 6-10 March, 2012 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and in partnership with Emirates Airline and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated authority for culture, arts, and heritage.

Festival Director Isobel Abulhoul welcomes Barghouti’s participation, commenting, 'this is a rare opportunity to hear one of the best-loved and respected Arabic poets writing today'.

'We now have a power-house of talent from the Arab world at our Festival including Nawaal El Saadawi, Tariq Ramadan, Mohammed Achaari, Qais Sedki, Ahmed Mourad as well as all our amazing Emirati writers and poets,' she continued.

Barghouti, who is taking part in the Festival for the first time, will recite poems that reflect his unique ability to portray the Palestinian struggle for peace and stability. He will also talk about his 2011 memoir WoledtoHonak, WoledtoHona  (I was Born There, I was Born Here), the sequel to Ra'aytu Ram Allah (I Saw Ramallah), for which he was awarded the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature and which was described by Edward Said as 'one of the finest existential accounts of Palestinian displacement'.

Barghouti considers the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature an opportunity to exchange views with a wide audienceand the visiting writers from all around the world.  The Festival will host 115 authors from some 25 countries and welcome audiences of 30,000 people.  The Festival holds its Opening Night with Terry Wogan at the Scientific and Cultural Association Al Mamzar Dubai and the rest of the Festival at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City.

ENDS

For full information and for tickets sale, please visit www.emirateslitfest.com.

For more information please contact:

Mohammed Barghuthi, Communications Manager, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
Mohammed.barghuthi@emirateslitfest.com  Telephone: 04 353 4002 / 050 714 7170

Christina Bruce, Head of Communications, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
Christina.bruce@emirateslitfest.com Telephone 04 353 4002

About the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together with authors from across the world to promote education, debate and above all else, love of reading and writing.
The Festival creates a wonderful opportunity for UAE nationals, residents and visitors to meet world famous authors, attend literary debates, listen to readings, participate in workshops and experience the exciting fringe and children’s events.  With simultaneous translation between Arabic and English for all sessions, the Festival is a meeting of minds where ideas are shared and friendships are formed – not least among the authors themselves.

The 2012 Festival will be held between March 6-10, 2012 at Al Mamzar Theatre and The Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City. Details at www.emirateslitfest.com

Tickets for the 2012 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature are now on sale at tickets.emirateslitfest.com or from WHSmith, Oasis Centre (ground floor) Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.

The Festival will be held in Dubai between the 6-10 March 2012 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and in partnership with Emirates Airline and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage.

The inimitable Terry Wogan headlines Opening Night on 6 March. Terry will be joined by a stellar cast of poets from around the globe at the magnificent theatre of the Cultural and Scientific Association, Al Mamzar. This is followed by Heritage Night, with David Nicholls and Mourid Barghouti, at a specially constructed Heritage Venue at the Intercontinental Hotel Dubai. In the following days, visitors can enjoy literary discussions, panel debates, masterclasses, workshops and readings as well as experience the Fringe and children’s events. There are cookery demonstrations and even a Literary Lunch and Tea.

The Festival will welcome some 115 authors, writers and speakers from 25 countries to participate in the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, which brings people of all ages, nationalities and background together to promote education, debate and a love of reading and writing in a celebratory and enjoyable way. It is expected that more than 30,000 visitors will attend sessions at this fourth edition of LitFest which has become an eagerly anticipated annual event.

The full author line-up, programme and tickets are available online at www.emirateslitfest.com. The Festival operates a dedicated membership scheme called Festival Friends which offers discounts on tickets as well as benefit packages. Details online.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Christina Bruce, Head of Communications, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
Christina.bruce@emirateslitfest.com +9714 353 4002

Mohammed Barghouthi, Communications Manager, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
Mohammed.barghouthi@emirateslitfest.com +9714 353 4002

About Emirates

Dubai-based Emirates Airline is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, and has received more than 400 international awards for excellence. Emirates now flies to114 destinations in 67 countries. The airline reported a net profit of US$1.5 billion for the last fiscal year. Emirates operates 159 wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and has orders for an additional 192 aircraft, worth more than US$66 billion.

About Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) was launched on March 8, 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Culture plays a critical part in achieving the vision of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 of establishing the city as vibrant, global Arabian metropolis that shapes culture and arts in the region and the world. The organisation has announced several initiatives that strengthen the historic and modern cultural fabric of Dubai. These include:

The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards: The first of its kind initiative in the Arab world honouring individuals and organisations who have made financial or in kind contributions through sustained support to visual arts, performing arts, literature and film in the region.

Sikka Art Fair: An annual art fair aimed at promoting Emirati and local artists in the UAE.

Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre: An annual festival that celebrates and fosters the art of theatre in the UAE.

Dubai Next: To encourage and sponsor initiatives that contribute actively to the development of the cultural events and activities in Dubai. Recently, Dubai Culture showcased Dubai's aspirations in culture to an international audience at one of the world's most prestigious platforms, the Art Basel 39 art fair.

The Holy Lands: A collaboration with the unique and creatively rich Reiss Engelhorn Museen of Mannheim to bring an exclusive collection of never before exhibited rare photographs to the region and more specifically Dubai.

Isobel Abulhoul, Director – Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, co-founder of Magrudy’s bookshop chain and founder of Jerboa book publishers, was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in a ceremony held on 31st December, 2011 in London.

Isobel Abulhoul was honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her years of service to education and British literature in the UAE.

Isobel was also presented with the Cultural Personality Award by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, last year during the Sharjah Book Fair.

With the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature now in its fourth year, Isobel has successfully positioned the region, and more specifically the UAE, as a social and cultural hub, where hundreds of authors from around the world come to take part in the festival.

The children’s writing competitions and new talent development included in the festival reflect Isobel’s passion for literature, and show how education is her top priority. Her goal to promote a love of reading and writing has been obvious over the years, and is reflected in every aspect of her work.

“Parents shape  and mould us in our early years, and  I have to wholeheartedly thank my dear late parents, for passing on to me, in full measure, their love of books, and the belief that  each of us can and should make a difference in the world about us, no matter how small”, said Isobel Abulhoul.

She added: “I am very lucky to be so honoured, and so fortunate to work with a wonderful team of individuals who ensure that the Literary Festival brings celebration and enjoyment to a huge number of people each year, enriching the cultural environment of this wonderful city of Dubai.”

With her induction to the Order of the British Empire, she joins a prestigious list of Britons who have contributed significantly to British culture and heritage, including her fellow new inductees Ronnie Corbett (entertainer), Helena Bonham Carter (actress) and professional golfers Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy.

About The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

www.emirateslitfest.com

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together with authors from across the world to promote education, debate and above all else, love of reading and writing.

The Festival creates a wonderful opportunity for UAE nationals, residents and visitors to meet world famous authors, attend literary debates, listen to readings, participate in workshops and experience the exciting fringe and children’s events. With simultaneous translation between Arabic and English for all sessions, the Festival is a meeting of minds where ideas are shared and friendships are formed – not least among the authors themselves.

The 2012 Festival will be held between 6-10 March 2012, at The Cultural and Scientific Association, Al Mamzar.

For more information please contact:

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
Tel No: 04 353 4002

or

Taghreed Oraibi
Ketchum RAAD Middle East
Account Manager
Direct Line: 04 4258994
Mob: 050 7943528

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature has launched a new ‘Festival Friends’ programme which offers members discounts and rewards for both the main Festival in March 2012 and for the year-round programme of events at the new permanent home Dar Al Adaab (House of Literature) in Bastakiya.

The new Festival Friends programme has three levels of membership called Friends, Friends Plus and Friends Premium. All levels offer benefits including discounted Festival tickets, priority booking, and Festival Lounge Access. Friends Plus and Friends Premium also offer personal recognition by the Festival as well as exclusive invitations to private events.

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will be held from 6-10 March, 2012 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and in partnership with Emirates Airline and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage.

This fourth edition of the Festival will welcome more than 100 authors from 25 countries. Topics and sessions planned include adventure, autobiography, biography, cookery, creative writing, crime, entertainment, fantasy, graphics, horror, sport, Islamic Art, journalism, literary fiction, local and folk history, master-classes, philosophy, poetry, politics, popular fiction, science fiction, screen-writing, translation and travel. The Festival also features a multi-faceted Children’s Programme.

For full information and enrolment into the Festival Friends programme click here.

About The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together with authors from across the world to promote education, debate and above all else, love of reading and writing.

The Festival creates a wonderful opportunity for UAE nationals, residents and visitors to meet world famous authors, attend literary debates, listen to readings, participate in workshops and experience the exciting fringe and children’s events. With simultaneous translation between Arabic and English for all sessions, the Festival is a meeting of minds where ideas are shared and friendships are formed – not least among the authors themselves.

The 2012 Festival will be held between 6-10 March 2012, at the InterContinetal Hotel Event Centre, Dubai Festival City and The Cultural and Scientific Association, Al Mamzar
 

Organisers of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature today issued a reminder that entries to the Students Writing Competitions will close on 12 December. This year the original favorite, the LitFest Story Writing Competition is joined by a new initiative, the Taaleem Poetry Award, so that students can express themselves in both prose and poetry and under different themes.

The competitions are divided into age specific categories. Entry submission, as well as full information, rules and entry form packs are available online.

Winners will be honoured at The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature which takes place from 6-10 March 2012 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and in partnership with Emirates Airline and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).

'We have hundreds of entries flooding in but we want to make sure that everyone has a chance to enter,' said Isobel Abulhoul, Festival Director. 'It would be a terrible shame not to hear a young person’s voice because they miss the deadline!'

2012 LitFest Story Writing Competition

This is the original LitFest competition and considered by organisers to be one of the keystones of the educational platform. Last year alone, this competition attracted more than 4,000 entries. The subject of the 2012 LitFest Story Writing competition is 'The Open Door', a title selected by Philip Ardagh, the much loved children’s author who presented the prizes last year. He has also agreed to write the Foreword to the Arabic and English book which will be published featuring all the winning entries.

Winners will be honoured at the 2012 Festival and receive a selection of prizes including copies of the book and an invitation to a creative writing workshop.

Taaleem Poetry Award

New for the 2012 Festival is the poetry writing competition, sponsored by Taaleem.  The Taaleem Poetry Award has as its theme, 'Who Am I, Who are You?' chosen by Isobel Abulhoul to reflect the overall Festival theme of 'Identity'. As for the Story Writing Competition, all the winning entries will be published in an Arabic and English book.

'It is very pleasing to see the enthusiasm from young people for expressing themselves in verse,' said Ziad Azzam, Chief Executive Officer, Taaleem. 'The response has been very strong.'

All the competitions are run in co-operation with schools and Isobel Abulhoul was keen to acknowledge the importance of schools and universities to the Literature Festival.

'Our aim this year is to touch directly 20,000 young students. We have a core commitment to education and we are so appreciative of the support that we get from our educational community in embracing these competitions, as well as our Education Day, the Fringe programme and of course in encouraging young people to attend and participate at our sessions' she concluded.

Boeing Readers' Cup

The third students' competition which is run by the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the Boeing Readers' Cup. This popular inter-school competition encourages children to read, discuss and think about a selection of books in teams. The books will comprise titles from a selection of age-appropriate Festival authors. The children are quizzed on the books they have read. Heat winners advance to a final round where teams from different schools meet head to head to compete against each other in an action packed, live 'read-off'.

'Boeing is delighted to be behind this exciting programme which gets children reading and having fun with it. Everyone enjoys themselves and we all learn too. It is very encouraging to see how popular the competition is becoming as it extends to reach many more schools this year,' said Geoffrey Rapp, Regional Director, Middle East & SE Asia, Airline Marketing Services, The Boeing Company.

Winners receive team and individual prizes and of course, a handsome 'Boeing Cup'. The Readers' Cup registration is now closed.

All competition details and entry forms can be found here.

About the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together with authors from across the world to promote education, debate and above all else, love of reading and writing.

The Festival creates a wonderful opportunity for UAE nationals, residents and visitors to meet world famous authors, attend literary debates, listen to readings, participate in workshops and experience the exciting fringe and children’s events. With simultaneous translation between Arabic and English for all sessions, the Festival is a meeting of minds where ideas are shared and friendships are formed – not least among the authors themselves.

The 2012 Festival will be held between March 6-10, 2012 at Al Mamzar Theatre and The Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City. Details at www.emirateslitfest.com

About Taaleem

Taaleem, which means education in Arabic, has been establishing, operating and managing early childhood, primary and secondary schools since its inception in 2004. Taaleem seeks to raise the regional educational standards through the committed development of individual student’s talents and passions, which is in turn facilitated and supported by the recruitment of top international educators and the implementation of international education policies, operations and global best practice.

With quality at the forefront of Taaleem’s offering, each project is tailored to answer the specific educational requirements of a wide range of families by offering top international curricula including British, American, the International Baccalaureate and their proprietary custom early childhood programme.

Taaleem is wholeheartedly committed to creating and implementing benchmark educational initiatives, nurturing educational excellence through the attraction, retention and development of the best educators. The continuous evaluation and improvement of standards across all schools has ensured that the Taaleem schools have been established as valued cornerstones of their communities.

About Boeing

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems.

Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft and a host of solutions for both commercial and defense customers. With a long tradition of aerospace leadership and innovation, Boeing continues to expand its product line and services to meet emerging customer needs. Its broad range of capabilities includes creating new, more efficient members of its commercial airplane family, integrating defense systems through network-enabled solutions, creating advanced technology solutions, and arranging innovative customer-financing options.

Boeing has been the premier manufacturer of commercial jetliners for more than 40 years. The company has nearly 12,000 commercial jetliners in service worldwide, which is roughly 75 percent of the world fleet.

With corporate offices in Chicago, Boeing employs more than 165,000 people across the United States and in 70 countries. This represents one of the most diverse, talented and innovative workforces anywhere.

About Emirates

Dubai-based Emirates Airline is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, and has received more than 400 international awards for excellence. Emirates now flies to 114 destinations in 67 countries. The airline reported a net profit of USD$1.5 billion for the last fiscal year. Emirates operates 159 wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and has orders for an additional 192 aircraft, worth more than USD$66 billion.

About Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) was launched on March 8, 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Culture plays a critical part in achieving the vision of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 of establishing the city as vibrant, global Arabian metropolis that shapes culture and arts in the region and the world. The organisation has announced several initiatives that strengthen the historic and modern cultural fabric of Dubai. These include:

The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards: The first of its kind initiative in the Arab world honouring individuals and organisations who have made financial or in kind contributions through sustained support to visual arts, performing arts, literature and film in the region.

Sikka Art Fair: An annual art fair aimed at promoting Emirati and local artists in the UAE.

Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre: An annual festival that celebrates and fosters the art of theatre in the UAE.

Dubai Next: To encourage and sponsor initiatives that contribute actively to the development of the cultural events and activities in Dubai. Recently, Dubai Culture showcased Dubai's aspirations in culture to an international audience at one of the world's most prestigious platforms, the Art Basel 39 art fair.

The Holy Lands: A collaboration with the unique and creatively rich Reiss EngelhornMuseen of Mannheim to bring an exclusive collection of never before exhibited rare photographs to the region and more specifically Dubai.

For more information please contact:

Mohammed Barghuthi, Communications Manager, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
Mohammed.barghuthi@emirateslitfest.com Telephone: 04 353 4002 / 050 714 7170

Christina Bruce, Head of Communications, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
Christina.bruce@emirateslitfest.com Telephone 04 353 4002

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature has held the first public ‘Open Door’ event to be held at the Festival’s permanent home, Dar Al Adaab (House of Literature) - an evening with Peter James, the international best-selling crime and thriller novelist.

Peter James spoke about his just-published Perfect People, a stand-alone dark and chilling thriller about “designer babies”, as well as his Roy Grace crime series. This was followed by an audience discussion and book signing.

It is only three weeks since Dar Al Adaab, which is located in Bastakiya, the heritage district of Dubai, had its official opening with the promise of providing a year round venue for literary events and activities so organisers are delighted to be fulfilling their commitment so quickly.

“Peter James is one of the world’s best loved and admired writers, published in 34 languages. He was one of our founding Festival authors so it is an enormous pleasure and privilege to welcome him back to launch our programme of ‘Open Door’ events”, said Isobel Abulhoul, Festival Director.

“We must say a huge thank you to Sharjah Book Fair for their generous cooperation as Peter James made this visit to the United Arab Emirates as their guest,” she continued.

The LitFest ‘Open Door’ events held at Dar Al Adaab are a year-round series which lead up to the full five day extravaganza of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, which takes place 6-10 March, 2012 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and in partnership with Emirates Airline and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage.

The 2012 edition of the LitFest will welcome more than 100 authors from 25 countries in a jam-packed programme encompassing cookery, travel, sport,horror, popular fiction, literary fiction, crime, graphics, poetry, politics, journalist, autobiography, biography, entertainment, screen-writing adventure, translation, creative writing,philosophy, local history, folk history, Islamic Art, Islamic Studies, fantasy and science fiction. In addition there will be a large number of master-classe and work-shops, a Fringe Festival and TimeOutKids’Zone.

Full details are available at www.emirateslitfest.com

For more information please contact:

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
Tel No: 04 353 4002
http://www.emirateslitfest.com/contact

Taghreed Oraibi
Ketchum RAAD/PR Media East
Account Executive
Direct Line: 04 4258994
Mob: 050 7943528

Note: This event has been made possible thanks to Sharjah International Book Fair, which is being held 16-26 November in Sharjah, UAE. Please visit http://www.sharjahbookfair.com/ for full details of the Sharjah Book Fair programme of events.

About the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together with authors from across the world to promote education, debate and above all else, love of reading and writing.
The Festival creates a wonderful opportunity for UAE nationals, residents and visitors to meet world famous authors, attend literary debates, listen to readings, participate in workshops and experience the exciting fringe and children’s events.  With simultaneous translation between Arabic and English for all sessions, the Festival is a meeting of minds where ideas are shared and friendships are formed – not least among the authors themselves.The 2012 Festival will be held between March 6-10, 2012 at Al Mamzar Theatre and The Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City. Details at www.emirateslitfest.com

About Emirates

Dubai-based Emirates Airline is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, and has received more than 400 international awards for excellence. Emirates now flies to 114 destinations in 67 countries. The airline reported a net profit of US$1.5 billion for the last fiscal year. Emirates operates 159 wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and has orders for an additional 192 aircraft, worth more than US$66 billion.

About Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) was launched on March 8, 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Culture plays a critical part in achieving the vision of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 of establishing the city as vibrant, global Arabian metropolis that shapes culture and arts in the region and the world. The organisation has announced several initiatives that strengthen the historic and modern cultural fabric of Dubai. These include:

The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards: The first of its kind initiative in the Arab world honouring individuals and organisations who have made financial or in kind contributions through sustained support to visual arts, performing arts, literature and film in the region.

Sikka Art Fair: An annual art fair aimed at promoting Emirati and local artists in the UAE.

Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre: An annual festival that celebrates and fosters the art of theatre in the UAE.

Dubai Next: To encourage and sponsor initiatives that contribute actively to the development of the cultural events and activities in Dubai. Recently, Dubai Culture showcased Dubai's aspirations in culture to an international audience at one of the world's most prestigious platforms, the Art Basel 39 art fair.

The Holy Lands: A collaboration with the unique and creatively rich Reiss EngelhornMuseen of Mannheim to bring an exclusive collection of never before exhibited rare photographs to the region and more specifically Dubai.

The fourth edition of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature roared into life last night as the organisers threw open the doors of Dar Al Adaab (House of Literature), the first permanent home for literature lovers in Dubai, for a celebration with partners and friends and a preview of the 2012 programme.

The Festival will be held from 6-10 March, 2012 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and in partnership with Emirates Airline and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage.

Following a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the threshold of Dar Al Adaab, located in the historic Al Bastakiya, by His Excellency Mohammed Al Murr, Vice Chairman of Dubai Culture; Boutros Boutros, Divisional Senior Vice-President, Corporate Communications, Emirates Airline and Group; and Isobel Abulhoul, Festival Director, guests were treated to an evening of poetry, readings, recitation, story-telling at the house-warming.  During the evening, Isobel Abulhoul and Boutros Boutros also signed an agreement renewing the partnership and title sponsorship for a further three years.

“Emirates Airline is committed to supporting initiatives which enhance and enrich the lives of the people in the communities we serve,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

“It is our hope that through our continued partnerships, we can inspire a life-long passion for the written word within the Dubai community and further establish the UAE as a centre for the arts.”

Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “Literature is an integral part of our cultural identity; the UAE has a rich tradition of Arabian poetry and prose, representing every era in our heritage. Initiatives like the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature further enhance our rich tradition, taking them to a global audience, to foster and promote intercultural dialogue. We are delighted to declare House 45 as the permanent home for Literature in Dubai. We encourage aspiring and established writers, poets, and literature enthusiasts to draw on the inspiring environment of the Al Bastakiya, Shindagha, and Khor Dubai, a living museum that celebrates the multicultural diversity of the city, and contribute to the Emirate’s literary culture.”

The most eagerly awaited news was, of course, the preliminary author line-up for 2012. Already more than 100 writers and speakers from 25 countries are confirmed including such literary giants as Mohammed Achaari, Chetan Bhagat, Jeremy Bowen, Bobby Chinn, Steve Coll, Imtiaz Dharker, Bi Feiyu, Paolo Giordano, A C Grayling, Sadakat Kadri, Zaghuna Kargar, Martin Kemp, Riz Khan, Ibrahim Al Koni, Chan Koonchung, Marc Levy, Yang Lian, Brian Moore, Dervla Murphy, Daljit Nagra, David Nicholls, Michael Portillo, Tariq Ramadan, Nawal El Saadawi, Darren Shan, Tom Rob Smith, Nicholas Sparks, Andy Stanton, Jacqueline Wilson and Terry Wogan as well as some 75 other world-class writers and poets. Organisers emphasized that the premium calibre of authors on the 2012 list reflects the growing stature of the five day Festival as a key fixture on the international literary scene.

Some 30 authors are returning to the Festival for a second or third time – a testament to the popularity of the event with what is arguably the most important audience of all – the writing community itself. Organisers also pointed out the ever-increasing participation by the literati of the Arab world. In 2009 there were only 22 Middle Eastern authors at the Festival, whereas this year it is hoped to welcome at least 70 Arab writers.

The Festival will include sessions on cookery, travel, sport, horror, popular fiction, literary fiction, crime, graphics, poetry, politics, journalism, autobiography, biography, entertainment, master-classes, screen-writing, adventure, translation, creative writing, philosophy, local history, folk history, Islamic Art, Islamic Studies, fantasy and science fiction.

Commenting on the vision of the Festival, which has the theme ‘Identity’ this year, Isobel Abulhoul said: “We put this amazing crowd of award-winning writers and poets, world-renowned thinkers and beloved children’s authors into the eclectic, exciting, incredible melting pot of events and activities that define our Festival and Dubai itself. The result is a feast of the written word, a gourmet menu for the mind which is a true celebration for everyone, regardless of age, nationality and personal taste.”

“We are so thrilled and grateful to have this lovely historic house to call home and can’t wait to start a regular programme of inclusive, open door events for writers, poets and literature lovers to enjoy all year round,” she continued.

Core to the mission of the Festival is education and the aim this year is to touch at least 20,000 young people. Besides the formidable line-up of children’s authors, workshops and classes, the Fringe Festival and Timeout Kids Zone, the LitFest devotes one full day of the Festival for authors to visit schools.

Additionally, the LitFest last night announced three significant competitions to run in cooperation with both Arabic and English language schools.  The return of the Boeing Readers’ Cup, the popular inter-school competition and the LitFest Story Writing Competition were both confirmed.

Another focus for 2012 is poetry and new for this year is The Taaleem Poetry Award, which encourages young people to find their own poetic voice. The ‘Identity’ theme of the 2012 Festival has been applied to the spirit of the competition which is titled ‘Who am I, Who are You?’

“I would like to say how privileged we are that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai has graciously agreed to become our patron. As an accomplished poet and writer himself, we hope that he will enjoy and approve of the emphasis the Festival puts on poetry and Arabic poetry in particular,” said Isobel Abulhoul.

"Education and the encouragement of literacy is at the core of everything we do, so we are pleased to launch these three important competitions for young students."

Abulhoul concluded by thanking Dubai Culture and Emirates Airline for their partnership as well as all the other partners, sponsors and friends who have made the Festival possible.

Author updates and all other information regarding the 2012 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is available at www.emirateslitfest.com.

For more information please contact:

Mohammed Barghuthi, Communications Manager, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
mohammed.barghuthi@emirateslitfest.com  Telephone: 04 353 4002 / 050 714 7170

Christina Bruce, Head of Communications, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
christina.bruce@emirateslitfest.com Telephone 04 353 4002

About the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together with authors from across the world to promote education, debate and above all else, love of reading and writing.

The Festival creates a wonderful opportunity for UAE nationals, residents and visitors to meet world famous authors, attend literary debates, listen to readings, participate in workshops and experience the exciting fringe and children’s events.  With simultaneous translation between Arabic and English for all sessions, the Festival is a meeting of minds where ideas are shared and friendships are formed – not least among the authors themselves.

The 2012 Festival will be held between March 6-10, 2012 at Al Mamzar Theatre and The Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City. Details at www.emirateslitfest.com

About Emirates

Dubai-based Emirates Airline (www.emirates.com) is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, and has received more than 400 international awards for excellence. Emirates now flies to114 destinations in 67 countries. The airline reported a net profit of US$1.5 billion for the last fiscal year. Emirates operates 159 wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and has orders for an additional 192 aircraft, worth more than US$66 billion.

About Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) was launched on March 8, 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Culture plays a critical part in achieving the vision of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 of establishing the city as vibrant, global Arabian metropolis that shapes culture and arts in the region and the world. The organisation has announced several initiatives that strengthen the historic and modern cultural fabric of Dubai. These include:

The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards: The first of its kind initiative in the Arab world honouring individuals and organisations who have made financial or in kind contributions through sustained support to visual arts, performing arts, literature and film in the region.

Sikka Art Fair: An annual art fair aimed at promoting Emirati and local artists in the UAE.
Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre: An annual festival that celebrates and fosters the art of theatre in the UAE.

Dubai Next: To encourage and sponsor initiatives that contribute actively to the development of the cultural events and activities in Dubai. Recently, Dubai Culture showcased Dubai's aspirations in culture to an international audience at one of the world's most prestigious platforms, the Art Basel 39 art fair.

The Holy Lands: A collaboration with the unique and creatively rich Reiss Engelhorn Museen of Mannheim to bring an exclusive collection of never before exhibited rare photographs to the region and more specifically Dubai

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature today launched the first activities of the 2012 edition with a call to school children and undergraduates to take part in three  Students'  Literary Competitions.  Two of the competitions, The LitFest Story Writing Competition and the Boeing Readers’ Cup are established Festival favourites.  New for this fourth Festival is the Poetry Award, sponsored by Taaleem.  All the competitions are divided into age specific categories and entry submission competitions, as well as the information, rules and entry form packs are on line at www.emirateslitfest.com.

Winners will be honoured at The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature which takes place from 6th to 10th March 2012 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, The Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and in partnership with Emirate Airline and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).

“The whole LitFest team loves these competitions,” said Isobel Abulhoul, Festival Director. “Our Festival is all about inspiring young people to tap into their inner creative voice and celebrate the written word. It is immensely gratifying to see our dream of nurturing budding local talent turn into reality.  This year we have the additional treat of the poetry too. This is perhaps particularly fitting as HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, himself a distinguished poet and writer, has done us the immense honour of becoming our patron.”

2012 LitFest Story Writing Competition

This is the original LitFest competition and considered by organisers to be one of the keystones of the educational platform.  Last year alone, this competition attracted more than 4,000 entries.  The subject of the 2012 LitFest Story Writing competition  is 'The Open Door', a title selected by Philip Ardagh, the  much loved children’s author who presented the prizes last year.  He has also agreed to write the Foreword to the Arabic and English book which will be published featuring all the winning entries.

Winners will be honoured at the 2012 Festival and receive a selection of prizes including copies of the book and an invitation to a creative writing workshop.

Boeing Readers’ Cup

This popular inter-school competition encourages children to read, discuss and think about a selection of books in teams.  The books will be chosen from a selection of age-appropriate Festival authors.  The children are quizzed on the books they have read. Heat winners advance to a final round where teams from different schools meet head to head to compete against each other in an action packed, live ‘read-off’.

"Boeing is delighted to be behind this exciting programme which gets children reading and having fun with it. Everyone enjoys themselves and we all learn too.  It is very encouraging to see how popular the competition is becoming as it extends to reach many more schools this year,' said Geoffrey Rapp, Regional Director, Middle East &SE Asia, Airline Marketing Services, The Boeing Company.

Winners receive team and individual prizes and of course, a handsome 'Boeing Cup'.

Taaleem Poetry Award

New for the 2012 Festival is the poetry writing competition, sponsored by Taaleem. The Taaleem Poetry Award has as its theme, ‘Who Am I, Who are You?’ chosen by Isobel Abulhoul to reflect the overall Festival theme of ‘Identity’.  As  for the Story Writing Competition, all the winning entries will be published in an Arabic and English book.

“There is a strong mind meld between the Lit Fest and Taaleem as we both share a passion for the art of the written word.  We are very excited about partnering with the Festival and inspiring as many young people as possible,” said Ziad Azzam, Chief Executive Officer, Taaleem. 
 “Poetry lies at the heart of our cultural heritage and of course is the earliest form of Arabic literature. We are delighted to be developing a springboard for young people to find their own poetic voice through the newly created Poetry Award” he continued.

All the competitions are run in co-operation with schools and Isobel Abulhoul was keen to acknowledge the importance of schools and universities to the Literature Festival.

“Our aim this year is to touch directly 20,000 young students. We have a core commitment to education and we are so appreciative of the support that we get from our educational community in embracing these competitions, as well as our Education Day, the Fringe programme and of course in encouraging young people to attend and participate at our sessions’” she concluded.

All information regarding the the 2012 Festival and the competitions is on-line at www.emirateslitfest.com/writingcompetition. Schools and universities wishing to take part in the roadshow should contact yvette.judge@emirateslitfest.com.

About The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together with authors from across the world to promote education, debate and above all else, love of reading and writing.

The Festival creates a wonderful opportunity for UAE nationals, residents and visitors to meet world famous authors, attend literary debates, listen to readings, participate in workshops and experience the exciting fringe and children’s events.  With simultaneous translation between Arabic and English for all sessions, the Festival is a meeting of minds where ideas are shared and friendships are formed – not least among the authors themselves.The 2012 Festival will be held between 6-10 March 2012, at The Cultural and Scientific Association, Al Mamzar Park and InterContinental Dubai Festival City.

About Boeing

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems.

Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft and a host of solutions for both commercial and defense customers. With a long tradition of aerospace leadership and innovation, Boeing continues to expand its product line and services to meet emerging customer needs. Its broad range of capabilities includes creating new, more efficient members of its commercial airplane family, integrating defense systems through network-enabled solutions, creating advanced technology solutions, and arranging innovative customer-financing options.

Boeing has been the premier manufacturer of commercial jetliners for more than 40 years. The company has nearly 12,000 commercial jetliners in service worldwide, which is roughly 75 percent of the world fleet.

With corporate offices in Chicago, Boeing employs more than 165,000 people across the United States and in 70 countries. This represents one of the most diverse, talented and innovative workforces anywhere.

About Taaleem

Taaleem, which means education in Arabic, has been establishing, operating and managing early childhood, primary and secondary schools since its inception in 2004. Taaleem seeks to raise the regional educational standards through the committed development of individual student’s talents and passions, which is in turn facilitated and supported by the recruitment of top international educators and the implementation of international education policies, operations and global best practice.

With quality at the forefront of Taaleem’s offering, each project is tailored to answer the specific educational requirements of a wide range of families by offering top international curricula including British, American, the International Baccalaureate and their proprietary custom early childhood programme.

Taaleem is wholeheartedly committed to creating and implementing benchmark educational initiatives, nurturing educational excellence through the attraction, retention and development of the best educators. The continuous evaluation and improvement of standards across all schools has ensured that the Taaleem schools have been established as valued cornerstones of their communities.

For more information, please contact:

Mohammed Barghuthi
Tel.: +971 4 353 4002
Mob.: +971 50 7147170
mohammed.barghuthi@emirateslitfest.com " target="_blank">mohammed.barghuthi@emirateslitfest.com

Christina Bruce
Tel.: +971 4 353 4002
christina.bruce@emirateslitfest.com