Emirates Literature Festival returns with stellar lineup

The Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature returns in February 2022 with a lineup including 'Bridgerton' author Julia Quinn, 'House of Gucci' author Sara Gay Forden, and Ken Arto, animator of 'Demon Slayer'.

Ahlam Bolooki, Director of the festival, spoke to the ARN News Centre, sharing details about the new location, a refreshed theme, expected numbers, COVID-19 protocols and shared love for the Sharjah International Book Fair.

"Here Comes the Sun" sets the theme for the 2022 festival, and she shares how and why looking forward after a challenging year inspired the festival.

However, as the world heals and moves forward from the pandemic, the festival's director has opted to take caution against the virus when hosting an event that is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors across the spectrum.

For instance, all ticket holders must carry proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of attendance.

Social distancing rules, meanwhile, will follow the Dubai government regulations at the time of the event in February 2022.

Despite a challenging period, and with the necessary COVID-19 precautions in place, the Sharjah International Book Fair marked their 40th edition with great fanfare and record numbers.

When queried about the expected turnout and differentiating factor from the internationally recognised Sharjah event, Bolooki, clarified that literary events like the Sharjah Book Fair further the arts and literature scene in the UAE.

Moreso, Bolooki and her team "love seeing the Sharjah Book Fair" and visit when the event is in town.

However, unlike the Sharjah Book Fair, the Emirates Airlines Literature of Festival is fully integrating EXPO 2020 Dubai into its festival.

For instance, the event kicked off with an author reveal at EXPO 2020 Dubai's Al Wasl Dome.

Bolooki also revealed to ARN News, that they have plans to hold "satellite events and activations" at the EXPO 2020 Dubai site, in the course of the festival.

Emirati poet Dr Afra Atiq, American poet Carlos Andrés Gómez, and producer Brent Shuttleworth are some names that will collaborate for the EXPO 2020 Dubai event.

More EXPO 2020 Dubai events will be shared closer to the event.

This collaboration aligns with the festival's dedicated 'Emirati Day' where they "continue to support and empower local talent and provide them with the opportunity to reach global horizons," according to Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture.

Simultaneously, the festival is moving into its new venue at the Habtoor City Hotels, from the historically-used InterContinental Dubai.

Additionally, the festival sees the culmination of the student writing competitions, with winners announced in special ceremonies for the Chevron Readers’ Cup, Emirates NBD Poetry For All, the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai Children’s Letter Writing Competition and The Story Writing Competition.

The sustainability angle is also being pursued by the event as they host the 'Voices of Future Generations' competition which will see a special book launch featuring the second round of winning sustainability-themed stories.

The announcement of the School Librarian of the Year award will also be made at the event.

Other big names expected to visit the event include 'Chernobyl 1986' author Serhii Plokhy, Al Ahmadi by Mona Al Shammari of the TV show 'No Music'; animator Mohammed Saeed Harib of Freej, actor Ben Miller who starred as Lord Archibald Featherington in Bridgerton, and thriller writer David Baldacci (virtual).