For book lovers, the new year means one thing: the Emirates LitFest is back, packed with authors, talks, and unforgettable events
Dubai’s beloved LitFest returns for its 18th edition from January 21 to 27 at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. This year’s lineup reads like a global literary passport: almost 200 speakers from 40 nationalities will descend on the city, offering everything from front-row thrills to intimate storytelling. Here’s everything you need to know about the Emirates LitFest 2026.
Plestia Alaqad
Reporting from the chaos of the war in Palestine, The Eyes of Gaza is a powerful record of resilience amid destruction by the acclaimed journalist Plestia Alaqad. Alaqad witnessed firsthand the ways ordinary people navigated extraordinary circumstances: neighbours sharing food, children finding moments of joy in rubble, families holding onto hope when the world seemed to collapse around them.At Emirates LitFest, she explores the challenge of translating trauma into words and the responsibility of bearing witness. Her session dives into the ethics and emotional weight of storytelling in conflict zones, showing how literature and journalism preserve memory, help to amplify unheard voices, and foster understanding. Expect a candid, deeply human conversation.
Hear her: January 25, 2pm to 3pm, Al Baraha III, Dhs75
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Thor Pedersen
Visiting every country on Earth without boarding a plane sounds impossible, but that’s exactly what Thor Pedersen achieved. Over nearly a decade, he travelled to 203 nations using trains, buses, taxis, ships, and anything else that moved, navigating political upheavals, pandemics, closed embassies, and a shoestring budget along the way. His journey, captured in The Impossible Journey, is a testament to courage, curiosity, and the transformative power of travel – and it’s just one of the incredible stories you can experience at the Emirates LitFest this year.
Most underrated country?
“Libya. Most people wouldn’t expect much, but the culture and people are incredible if you experience it.”
Dish you still crave?
“Suya, Nigerian street food. Thin-sliced meat grilled over fire, served on newspaper with onion and chili. You eat it with a toothpick. Fantastic.”
Country you’d return to tomorrow?
“Hong Kong. I formed real friendships and gained a deep understanding of its culture and landscape. I miss it.”
Best land border crossing?
“Between Kenya and Ethiopia… you feel the shift instantly.”
Travel advice for busy people?
“Make it happen. Even with limited hours, use free time to explore. People are just people. Go out, meet them, taste food… you’ll see the world differently.”
Hear him: January 23, 4pm to 5pm, Al Rimal, Dhs50
Scott Walker
Few have faced as many life-or-death crises as Scott Walker. A former Scotland Yard negotiator, he successfully resolved over 300 high-stakes cases involving gang leaders, pirates, and cyberhackers. At the Business Breakfast, Walker shares insights from Eye of the Storm: How to Make Good Decisions in Bad Situations, revealing strategies for staying calm, performing under pressure, and turning high-stress challenges into opportunities.
On negotiating
“It’s simply a conversation with a purpose. Pause and ask yourself, ‘What’s my intent?’ Cooperation and collaboration, not ‘I win, you lose,’ should guide you.”
On emotions
“The number one skill of top negotiators is managing your mindset and emotions. Tuning into your ‘red centre’ – that calm, grounded place within – helps you stay objective and clear-headed.”
On trust
“Trust is the golden thread. Built through consistency, listening deeply, and demonstrating understanding, it’s essential for meaningful, long-term change.”
Hear him: January 21, 9am to 10.30am, Vista Terrace, Dhs200
Asma Khan
Join Chef Asma Khan, star of Netflix’s Chef’s Table, for A Taste of India. Khan, an Indian-born British restaurateur and activist, has transformed London’s culinary scene with her celebrated restaurant, Darjeeling Express, known for its revolutionary all-female kitchen.
Fork in hand, guests will embark on a culinary journey through India with a six-course menu inspired by the six seasons of Bengal. Each dish tells a story of heritage, resilience, and the power of food to bring people together. As aromas fill the room, Khan shares her journey from home cook to acclaimed restaurateur, highlighting her commitment to social and environmental causes.
Hear her (and feast): January 24, 8pm to 10pm, Zaytoun Restaurant, Dhs425
Bookmark these, too
Desert Stanzas
Best for: Poetry, music, and starlit storytelling enthusiasts
An annual desert showcase fusing poetry, music, and performance. Voices from around the world echo under the stars in a beautiful celebration of wordplay and connection.
When: January 22, 6.30pm to 9pm, Dhs425
Highrise Homicide
Best for: Interactive mystery fans and puzzle solvers
Sign up for an immersive murder mystery spectacle set across a fictional tower block – a LitFest first.
When: January 23, 8pm to 10pm, Dhs425
Life Taught Me
Best for: Curious minds seeking insights into Dubai’s story
A rare look into the book by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, exploring leadership, ambition, and shaping a nation.
When: January 21, 11.30am to 12.30pm, free
The details
Where: InterContinental Dubai Festival City
When: January 21 to 27
Cost: Tickets from Dhs50
Contact: emirateslitfest.com
