Dubai Champions Intellectual Creativity and Literary Excellence on World Book and Copyright Day

As the world prepares to celebrate World Book and Copyright Day on April 23, Dubai reaffirms its commitment to fostering a thriving creative environment that empowers authors, writers, and intellectuals. Recognized as a global hub for culture and a vibrant incubator of talent, the city continues to elevate its role in supporting the literary and intellectual landscape through pioneering initiatives and forward-thinking strategies.

At the heart of Dubai’s cultural vision is a dedication to disseminating knowledge and supporting intellectual development. The emirate’s ongoing efforts, championed by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), reflect its core belief in knowledge as a key driver of societal growth and creative economic prosperity.

As part of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy, Dubai Culture implements a diverse range of programs designed to nurture local talent and promote international cultural exchange. Among these, the “Enhancing the Presence of Local Literary Talents” initiative—launched in partnership with the Emirates Literature Foundation—connects Emirati writers and poets to international literary festivals. It also offers them a platform to amplify their voices on the global stage.

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the largest literary event in the Arab world and held in strategic collaboration with Dubai Culture, plays a central role in spotlighting Emirati creativity. Each year, the festival empowers 46 leading and emerging writers to participate, while the "By Emirati" segment highlights local literary achievements and fosters intercultural dialogue with global thinkers and authors.

Furthering its commitment to preserving cultural heritage, Dubai Culture also supports research through the annual Etihad Museum Research Grant, encouraging scholars to explore Emirati history and identity via the Etihad Museum’s archives.

In its mission to cultivate a reading culture, Dubai Culture annually organizes the Reading Box initiative, offering educational and entertainment sessions aligned with the UAE National Reading Strategy 2016–2026. Other projects such as the monthly Library Talk, the Schools of Life initiative, and the community-driven Used Book Exhibition all contribute to enriching the public’s engagement with literature.

The Book Club, a core element of the Schools of Life program, promotes literary dialogue among readers and writers through interactive sessions and workshops, supporting both young and adult audiences in building their cultural and creative skillsets.

Complementing these efforts is the Express Platform, an umbrella program that includes the Digital Publishing Forum, Literary Table, and Express Literary Forum. Together, they present a vibrant agenda of workshops and discussions covering poetry, fiction, and intellectual writing, enabling authors to share experiences and collaborate across disciplines.

By championing these initiatives, Dubai continues to position itself as a dynamic epicenter for cultural innovation and literary excellence, underscoring the city’s steadfast commitment to empowering knowledge creators and supporting the global exchange of ideas.