Five Unmissable Emirates LitFest 2026 Dubai Sessions

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, January 5, 2026: It’s that time of year! Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is back, returning with a full week of unforgettable stories, thought-provoking conversations and engaging activities for all ages. Running from 21 January to 27 January 2026 at the InterContinental, Dubai Festival City, this iconic event promises to be an inspiring week for book lovers, emerging writers, culture enthusiasts and young families alike.

Here's your guide to five unmissable sessions happening over the Emirates LitFest 2026:

1. Business Breakfast: Boardroom Lessons from a Hostage Negotiator (Special Event)

Date: Wednesday, 21 January, 9 AM – 10:30 AM; Location: Vista Terrace, Intercontinental
Price: AED 200 (includes breakfast)

Join former Scotland Yard negotiator Scott Walker for a Business Breakfast exploring key insights from Eye of the Storm: How to Make Good Decisions in Bad Situations. Drawing on his frontline experience, Walker shares strategies for staying calm and performing under pressure.

This is an essential session for leaders and professionals seeking to navigate uncertainty, make smarter choices, and turn high-stress challenges into opportunities for success.

2. The Science of Love and Happiness (LitFest After Hours)

Date: Sunday, 23 January, 7 PM – 8 PM; Location:  Al Ras 1, Intercontinental
Price: AED 75 per session

Love isn’t just poetry and passion. It’s chemistry, psychology, and a lifelong experiment in connection. From the oxytocin-fueled rush of new romance to the quiet comfort of years spent together, scientists are uncovering what really keeps hearts and minds in sync.

Join LSE behavioural psychologist Paul Dolan as he explores how love and happiness intertwine, revealing the science behind creating a good life.

3. MC Grammar: Stop! Grammar Time (Family Activities)

Date: Saturday, 24 January, 10 AM – 11 AM; Location: Al Baraha III, Intercontinental.
Price: AED 75

Step into the world of words with MC Grammar, multi award-winning teacher, bestselling author, and World Book Day Ambassador.

This high-energy, interactive session turns grammar, punctuation, and spelling into rap, rhyme, and rhythm. Bursting with beats, clever wordplay, and plenty of laughs, MC Grammar makes learning English unforgettable. Suitable for children age 6 and upwards.

Whether you’re a hip hop fan or just love fun with words, get ready to create, perform, and play because it’s Grammar Time!

4. A Taste of India with Asma Khan (Special Event)

Date: Saturday, 24 January, 8 PM – 10 PM; Location: Zaytoun Restaurant, Intercontinental
Price: AED 425 (includes dinner)

Join globally renowned chef and Netflix’s Chef’s Table star Asma Khan for A Taste of India — an unforgettable evening where food meets storytelling

Drawing inspiration from her celebrated London restaurant, Darjeeling Express, Khan will present a six-course menu, with each dish representing one of the six seasons of Bengal.

As guests journey through the flavours and aromas of India, Khan will share her personal story - from home cook to acclaimed restaurateur - reflecting on heritage, resilience, and the extraordinary power of food to bring people together.

5. Plestia Alaqad: The Eyes of Gaza (Conversation)

Date: Sunday, 25 January, 2 PM – 3 PM; Location: Al Baraha III, Intercontinental
Price: AED 75

Plestia Alaqad’s debut, The Eyes of Gaza, is a book born from lived experience. As a journalist reporting through the chaos of bombardment, she documented not only destruction but also the strength, love, and humanity that endure in impossible circumstances.

In this timely discussion, Alaqad will share her story of capturing the voices too often unheard, and writing to ensure memory is not erased. This is a chance to hear directly from a writer whose words carry both urgency and hope, offering a deeply human perspective on life in Gaza.

Whether you’re here for expert advice, interactive sessions for the whole family, or engaging conversations that spark new ways of thinking, Emirates LitFest 2026 promises something for everyone. There are several free events across the different Festival categories including LitFest Launch Pad, which celebrates local debut authors and the Fringe, where dazzling young performers, dancers, musicians, poets, and storytellers from across UAE take to stage.

For more flexible access, there are two passes available: the Conversations Pass (AED 400) for access to a wide range of English and Arabic sessions, and the Bil Arabi Pass (AED 100) for those keen to explore Arabic literature and thought in depth. Foundation Friends members receive 20% off all tickets plus priority booking and exclusive perks.