The first collection of central characters in the eagerly anticipated sequel to the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature (EAIFL) was announced today. Thirty three international authors have already confirmed their participation in the Middle East’s largest annual literary festival, guaranteeing EAIFL 2010 will be another captivating bestseller.  The Festival will be held under the patronage of the HH Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, from 10th to 13th March 2010. 

‘’The setting is stunning, with an inspired plot and thirty three remarkable characters already on the scene - EAIFL 2010 promises to be a literary masterpiece.  EAIFL will provide an unmissable weekend of debates, storytelling and poetry reading so make sure you mark 10th – 13th March 2010 on your calendars today,’’ said Isobel Abulhoul, Festival Director.  ‘’We’ve incorporated a lot of feedback from attendees of EAIFL 2009 and we are bringing together a diverse and balanced line-up of authors that represent the interests of the different communities living in Dubai.’’ 

Some of the leading lights of international fiction have already signed up to participate in the 2010 Festival, including Martin Amis, Mark Billingham, Tim Butcher, Chris Cleave, Isabel Fonseca, James Meek and Alexander McCall Smith.   Non-fiction stars include cookery writer and broadcaster Anjum Anand, historian William Dalrymple, best-selling author of ‘33 Strategies of War’, Robert Greene, historian Robert Lacey, one of the leading experts on history and international relations, Margaret MacMillan and biographer DJ Taylor.

Arabic literature will be represented by some of the foremost contemporary Arabic authors including Sudanese writer Leila Abouleila, celebrated Libyan poet Khaled Mattawa, distinguished author Ahdaf Souief, Palestinian writer and winner of the 2008 Orwell prize, Raja Shehadeh, Arabic Booker prize-winning author, Bahaa Taher and Winner of the 2009 Arabic Booker prize, Professor Youssef Ziedan.