Festival Programme
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An Afternoon with Alexander McCall Smith
An afternoon with Alexander McCall Smith promises to deliver the stories behind the stories. Join one of the best-loved storytellers of our time and discover the inspirations that led him to create the beloved worlds of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, Von Igelfeld, and 44 Scotland Street. With his trademark warmth and wit, McCall Smith shares candid reflections and delightful anecdotes, revealing how his life, travels, and encounters have shaped his writing. This is a rare chance for fans to enjoy a unique glimpse into both the creative process and the journeys behind his acclaimed body of work.
Meet the Speakers ....
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Alexander McCall Smith
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Fiona Lindsay
Moderator
More Events Like This One ....
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Qafia: Poetry at the Heart of the Cultural Economy
Exploring the intersection of Arabic poetry and the cultural economy, Abdulaziz Al Marshad, Head of the "Qafia" platform, presents how a poem can become an artistic product and an interactive experience that connects poets with audiences. The talk discusses financial sustainability models and empowering creators, while posing key questions about preserving authenticity within a modern market and what success means in the creative economy
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50.00 AED
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Liam Kelly: Every Child Deserves a Story
Join author and educator Liam Kelly, creator of William – The Story Written in My Head, for a session on representation in children’s books. He shares how inclusive stories build empathy, self-belief, and wellbeing, with tips for parents.
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50.00 AED
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Marjorie Lotfi: The Poet's Table
Kick off your morning with breakfast at The Poet's Table, an interactive roundtable led by celebrated poet Marjorie Lotfi. Explore dynamic works from this year's Festival poets and be inspired to craft your own verses.
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100.00 AED
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Poetic Commandments
A poetry evening with Aloush Alswait and Dai Rahmi celebrating words that bring comfort and illuminate your path. They explore poetry as a faithful friend and a beauty that opens the door to salvation.
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50.00 AED
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Afikra Presents: Daftar
Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion to mark the launch of Daftar: Beginnings, the inaugural publication from afikra / عفكرة.
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50.00 AED
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+971: Emirati Creatives Shaping the UAE
Meet the visionaries reshaping and redefining the UAE’s cultural and creative landscape, including artists, designers, and innovators featured in +971, along with its editor Myrna Ayad.
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50.00 AED
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Taste of Home
Thousands of stories hide in the corners of homes. How has the house appeared in literature and human memory? In a delicate conversation, Dr Shahla Ujayli, and Omer Taher take us on a journey that pierces through walls toward the light.
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50.00 AED
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The Future of Arabic-English Translation
A session with Marilyn Booth and Professor Yasir Suleiman exploring the future of Arabic–English translation as a cultural bridge and the challenges of preserving the soul of Arabic literature for global readers.
Read MoreFREE
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Have a question about this year’s LitFest? We’re happy to provide you with the answers you seek, from practical details about this year’s events and more information about our venues and programme, to responses to other frequently asked questions.
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