‘Bil Emirati’ Strand Showcases Emirati Literary Talent at Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is spotlighting Emirati literary talent through its sponsorship of the ‘Bil Emirati’ strand at the 17th Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. This initiative provides a platform for local writers to share their creative works, engage with global audiences, and participate in international literary discussions. Running until 3 February 2025 at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, the strand features 43 authors across 36 dynamic sessions.
Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, emphasized the authority’s commitment to fostering local talent and enhancing their global presence. “The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is a crucial space for writers and intellectuals worldwide to connect and exchange ideas. Our support for ‘Bil Emirati’ reflects our dedication to creating opportunities for Emirati authors to engage with international communities, strengthening Dubai’s cultural and creative industries,” he stated.
Celebrating Emirati Literary Excellence
The ‘Bil Emirati’ strand features an array of discussions and events showcasing the richness of Emirati literature. Highlights include a session with HE Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, alongside Faisal Abbas. Additionally, the session Dubai: Home of Creativity brings together UAE Golden Visa holders Mamdouh Hamada, Nabil Suleiman, Hawra Al-Nadawi, and Amal Ismail.
Renowned poets Khalid Albudoor and Asmaa Azaizeh lead Postmodern Prose, while Collective Portrait of the Gulf explores the region’s cultural landscape through the insights of Emirati writer Salha Obaid, Saudi poet Abdulatif Yousef, and Omani novelist Mohamed Alyahyai.
Other notable sessions include Blame it on Mum, where writers Haneen Al Sayegh and Rasha Samir discuss motherhood’s impact on identity and relationships. In The Everlasting Walk, Dr. Mohammed Al Mansi Qindeel and Prof. Waciny Laredj examine how cities and places influence literary narratives.
New Releases and Thought-Provoking Panels
The ‘Bil Emirati’ strand also celebrates new literary works. Esteemed poet Adel Khozam unveils Manseera: A Poetic Epic, a collaborative project featuring 86 poets from over 50 countries. Meanwhile, Fatima Bint Ali presents her book Contemporary Issue, and Rana Al Mutawa introduces Life in the Spectacular City.
The Mudun: Short Stories from the Arab World session highlights regional storytelling talent, featuring Lana Shamma, Sultan Sooud AlQassemi, Faris Bseiso, Razmig Bedirian, and Reem Khorshid. Arabs Through Global Eyes explores Arabic literature’s international influence with authors Sawsan Benarafa and Salha Ghabish. In A Brave New World, writers Ahmed AlSadek, Hawra Al-Nadawi, and director Nahla Al Fahad discuss technology’s impact on creativity.
Additionally, the Arabic Poetry and Qanoon Night brings together poets Abdulatif Yousef, Asmaa Azaizeh, Amal Al Sahlawi, Haneen Al Sayegh, Dr. Afra Atiq, Lamya Alsaiqal, and Farah Younes for a celebration of poetic artistry. The Emirati Publishers' Showcase gathers publishing pioneers Mohamed Almatrooshi, Abdulaziz Mohamad Ali, Fatma AlKhatib, and Mohamed Kandil to discuss challenges and opportunities in the publishing industry.
With a diverse program of discussions, performances, and networking opportunities, the ‘Bil Emirati’ strand solidifies Dubai’s position as a global cultural hub, fostering literary excellence and creative exchange.
