Festival Programme

Join us to celebrate some of Dubai’s youngest and brightest writers as they discuss their creative journeys, read excerpts from their books, and share the inspirations behind their stories.

Join us for a vibrant session celebrating some of Dubai’s youngest and most brilliant writers as they open the doors to their creative worlds. In this inspiring gathering, they will share the story of their journey into writing, read excerpts from their works that carry their unique voice, and reveal the sparks of inspiration behind their stories and ideas.

The Little Journalist with Mohamed Fathi. Every answer turns into a bigger question, allowing children to delve into a world of curiosity and wonder. Let's discover the power of questioning in opening the doors to knowledge, adventure, and continuous learning.

Join writer-illustrator Sharon King-Chai for Hello Sun, an interactive sensory play session for children under four, full of colour, sound, and imaginative fun for little ones and their families.

Create your own imaginary heroes with Dr. Bashayer Alatrouzi. Children discover story characters and reshape them to create their own worlds. Let's bring adventures full of imagination, fun, and surprise to life.

Grab your pencils for a fun-filled session with award-winning illustrator Rob Biddulph, creator of #DrawWithRob. Enjoy stories, laughter, and step-by-step tips as you create your own masterpiece!

Join BAFTA-nominated Brothers McLeod for the heroic and hilarious adventures of Knight Sir Louis, with storytelling, animation, and a magical behind-the-scenes look at bringing tales to life.

Fasten Your Seatbelts and Embark on an Adventure with Noura Al Khoori!A fun-filled session for children inspired by the book Please Fasten Your Seatbelts. Kids will experience their first journey through interactive activities and engaging storytelling, learning the steps of travel from the airport to the airplane, and taking part in games and stories drawn from the fascinating world of aviation.

Join writer-illustrator Sharon King-Chai for Hello Sun, an interactive sensory play session for children under four, full of colour, sound, and imaginative fun for little ones and their families.

Join MC Grammar — the rapping teacher turned internet sensation — for a high-energy, rhyme-packed session that turns English into an unforgettable lyrical adventure.

Join Emirati author Ebtisam Al-Beiti for Fly, Red, Fly! - a fun, interactive reading and puppet show following a little dragon’s uplifting adventure of courage, confidence, and soaring dreams.

Zuzu (the mischievous shoelace) accompanies Shereen Sabanegh and the children on a fun adventure, where Zuzu learns that change can be confusing at first, but it opens doors to new colors and unforgettable opportunities for fun and discovery.

Join Ali Sparkes for a fast-paced and interactive adventure. Dante, a city kid with ADHD and dyslexia, uncovers hidden treasures in a grand English mansion.

Join poet and performer Simon Mole for a fun, interactive session inspired by A First Book of Bugs and A First Book of Dinosaurs​​, where young readers explore poetry, play, and the wonders of the natural world.

The LitFest Fringe 2026 is back, celebrating the vibrant talents of young performers, dancers, musicians, poets, and storytellers from across the UAE!

Step into the magical worlds of Ross MacKenzie, award-winning author of The Nowhere Emporium, for a spellbinding session of live reading, storytelling, and tips on creating unforgettable fantasy adventures.

Join Emirati author-illustrator Rawan Alyahmadi as she shares Athba’s Gift, a heartwarming story of kindness and self-care.

Join John Patrick Green, Maitha Al Khayat, Rachel Bright, and Sarah McIntyre for a live illustration showdown. Watch characters come to life, learn top drawing tips, and help decide the ultimate artistic winner!

Dive into mystery with bestselling author Eve Wersocki-Morris and discover how to craft gripping plots, clever clues, and unforgettable characters from her Clem Fatel series.

Join Lucy Strange, Montegrappa Writing Prize winner, for a captivating journey through ghostly legends, stormy seas, and richly atmospheric tales from The Ghost of Gosswater and The Island at the Edge of the Night.