If there’s one event that book lovers across Dubai and the UAE eagerly await every year, it’s Emirates LitFest 2026. This beloved festival returns in January for its 18th edition. As usual, it will be held at InterContinental Dubai Festival City.

The festival will take place from January 21 to 27, 2026. With a variety of events, workshops, and speakers, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. It’s the perfect way to spend your day, whether you’re a book lover, an aspiring writer, or a family looking for a fun and inspiring experience.

And here are the details on the most anticipated events – from conversations with best-selling authors to wild chemistry experiments – so you can plan your outing in advance.

Emirates LitFest 2026: Authors and Events

  • RF Kuang, the New York Times bestselling author of Yellowface, will be appearing at two sessions on January 23 and 24
  • Join conversations with Samantha Shannon, author of The Bone Season series, on January 24 and 25
  • Learn the secrets of adapting novels into animation with Curtis Jobling, writer of the Wereworld series, on January 25

Another appearance that both parents and kids will appreciate is Big Manny, TikTok’s Education Creator of the Year. He will bring his high-energy science session to the festival on January 23. Known for turning chemistry into a thrilling adventure, the British-Jamaican educator will certainly lit the stage!

If you’re looking for some unique experiences, Emirates LitFest 2026 has just the right events for you:

  • Asma Khan, London-based restaurateur and star of Netflix’s Chef’s Table, will treat her guests with a Business Breakfast on January 23 and an exclusive dinner on January 24
  • Ruth Ware will host an exclusive masterclass on crime on January 25. She’s a crime writer behind ‘The Woman in Cabin 10,’ adapted into a Netflix thriller

One of the highlights this year is a special VIP panel on January 21, celebrating ‘Life Taught Me‘ by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

For an easier experience at the festival, download Emirates LitFest app. It’s the perfect tool with everything you need in one place – from the full schedule of events to special offers and the latest updates. You can plan your visit, set reminders for the sessions you want to attend, and explore over 200 events to find the ones that interest you most.

Emirates LitFest 2026 promises to be an unforgettable experience for book lovers, aspiring writers, and families, so make sure not to miss it!

If you’re looking for more things to do in Dubai this January, check out other major events like Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026, Ministry of Sound 35, Till Lindemann’s concert, and the LANY concert. The city has a lot to offer, so pick your activities based on what you enjoy most!

Stay tuned for more news and event announcements. There’s always something happening in Dubai!