Spotlight on the Emirates

Discover Emirati literature at Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2016.

Here's a chance to learn and understand the past and present of the UAE through the written word at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2016. The new extended Festival features a special segment highlighting Emirati culture, history and literature. From March 1-3, 'Spotlight on the Emirates' will host a number of renowned Emirati literary stars.
Audiences can look forward to meeting award-winning poet, scriptwriter and film director Nujoom Al Ghanem, children's author Shaima AlMarzooqi, TV broadcast professional and executive coach Mai El Khalifa and the first Emirati founder of a Pilates studio in the UAE, Asma Hilal Lootah (pictured).
Creating an informal intimate gathering seated around a charcoal burner that keeps gahwah (coffee) hot, the first ever 'Stories and Poems from the Desert to the City' with Ali Abu Al Reesh, Fahad Almamari, Humaid bin Thaiban Al Mansoori and Dr. Hessah Abdullah Lootah, celebrates the rich history of oral story-telling in the region.
The life of writer Mohammed Bin Hadher will be the focus of the first evening. Author Ibrahim Al Hashimi, who has written a book on Bin Hadher's life and poems, will lead a tribute. The event will showcase the impact he has had on UAE culture with his business acumen as well as through his contributions to the establishment of Al Nadwa: The UAE Cultural and Scientific Association. For more information, visit: www.emirateslitfest.com