SPEAKER
Isobel Abulhoul
Isobel Abulhoul OBE has been a cornerstone of the UAE’s cultural landscape since 1968. She co-founded the iconic Magrudy’s bookshop chain and Al Ittihad Private School before founding the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in 2008. Following a 2013 royal decree, she became a founding trustee and the long-standing CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, where she now serves as an advisor and trustee.
A passionate advocate for literacy, Isobel launched the "Reading for Pleasure" initiative and serves on the boards of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library and the International Prize for Arabic Fiction. Her lifelong commitment to education and books has earned her numerous accolades, including an OBE from HM Queen Elizabeth II, the UAE Pioneers Award, and the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in Education.
Attend their Events ....
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Business Breakfast: Beyond Profit
Join Amal Al Marri, Asma Khan, and Isobel Abulhoul for a business breakfast exploring how female leaders drive innovation, shape culture, and prove that purpose creates lasting impact.
Read MorePrice
200.00 AED
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A Historian's Guide to Surviving the 21st Century
What can the past teach us about today’s and tomorrow's crises? Historians Peter Frankopan and Bettany Hughes explore how history can guide a smarter, more resilient future.
Read MorePrice
50.00 AED
GET IN TOUCH WITH THE LITFEST
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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