Dubai: Organisers of the second Emirates Airline Festival of Literature have promised visitors "a broader, richer and more interactive experience".
Over 100 authors are taking part in this year's event, which runs from March 10 to 13. New features include musical performances, a live cookery demonstration and workshops for children and adults in creative writing, drama and illustration.
Isobel Abulhoul, Director of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, said: "There's going to be a real buzz throughout the four days of the event. A typical day could involve a discussion with a world-famous author, attendance at a creative writing or translation workshop finishing up with a concert or an impromptu storytelling session."
Education
Saeed Al Nabouda, Chief Projects Officer at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said: "The Education Day initiative that brings authors face to face with the public, especially children, will help to foster a deeper understanding of the writing process and inspire young talent to hone their skills."
Boutros Boutros, Divisional Senior Vice-President of Corporate Communications at Emirates airline, said: "We are delighted to be involved with a festival, which reflects the rich diversity of the many different communities that are proud to call Dubai home, while it is clear the event has also captured the imagination of the international literary community."
Over 3,000 students from across the UAE will attend a series of author sessions at the Scientific and Cultural Association in Al Mamzar as part of the event's Education Day on March 11.
Among the other highlights of this year's event is Looking Back with Love, an anthology of 19th century poetry compiled by UAE-based author Khalid Al Budoor.
Dubai: Love at first sight
Prize-winning novelist Yann Martel said on Sunday he was dazzled by Dubai.
The 46-year-old author of the global sensation Life of Pi is in the city for this year's Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.
He said: "Dubai is like a New York in the desert. It is an incredibly dynamic place and it seems so dazzling, multicultural and insanely bustling; I am looking forward to seeing more of it."
