Our Vision
The Emirates Airline International Festival of Literature (EAIFL) is the first event of its kind in the Middle East. Its aim is to present an international forum for an integrated expression of contemporary literary culture. It will highlight the significance of reading and literature in the UAE where interest in the arts is growing rapidly, and will join together people of all nationalities to celebrate literature in all its forms. A broad range of speakers and books will awaken the imagination whilst providing tangible educational benefits to the younger generations.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Dubai’s ever growing horizon, this annual four day programme will be an opportunity for UAE nationals, visitors and residents to meet their favourite writers; listen to their words and thoughts; take in the festival atmosphere and be inspired. It will feature seminars, discussions, debates and readings from the world’s leading authors, as well as exciting fringe events in and around the city.
The EAIFL committee, headed by Isobel Abulhoul, pioneer and director of Magrudy’s, supported by the Dubai Cultural Council, is committed to putting together a programme of events that will introduce and give exposure to a wide ranging mix of talent from the global market of contemporary arts & culture.
The festival is also an opportunity for authors – fiction and non-fiction, commercial and literary, local and international – to meet, explore and enrich the city’s cultural scene.
We hope to:
- Introduce internationally renowned authors to Dubai for seminars and book signings
- Provide a platform for Middle East authors and translators
- Encourage home grown talent in English, Arabic and other languages
- Create a family friendly atmosphere with events for all ages, involving well-known children’s authors
- Dedicate a day to education and emphasise the intrinsic link between reading and educational success.
We believe:
- Literacy is the key to all knowledge
- Literature is a unique and exciting mode of cross-cultural communication
- Imagination, innovation, and talent should be nurtured
- Education should be universal, stimulating and relevant
- A wider awareness of Arabic language and culture will contribute to the future development of the region
