Dubai: A total of 22 new sessions have been added to the 2010 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature (EAIFL), bringing the total number of events to 75.
Day one of the festival tomorrow brings Baha'a Taher, Yann Martel (The Life of Pi) and Imtiaz Dharker together, to discuss why they write and what inspires them to do so. Arabic Booker prize-winning author Yousuf Ziedan will host an "In Conversation" event, and will read from his novel Azazil (Beelzebub).
Crime novel lovers will be treated to a Crime Writers Panel on the second day, including R.J Ellory, Mark Billingham and Jeffrey Deaver, while Francis Wheen and D.J Taylor will explore the art of biography in You Can't Slander the Dead. An "In Conversation event" and poetry reading will also be held by renowned Emirati poet Mohammad Khalifa Bin Haider.
Tribute
Two of the greatest and most influential Arabic voices will be paid tribute to on the third day in the "Remembering Tayeb Salih" session, while a short film by Sargon Boulos, in which he reads and speaks about his work, will be previewed. Khalid Al Budoor, Nujoom Al Ganem, Khulood Al Mu'alla, Ahmad Rashid Thani will also be hosting "An Evening with 4 Emirati Poets".
The last day of the festival, Saturday, March 13, is time for Arabic literature to take centre stage. "Arabs Writing from Afar" features Samer Abu Hawwash, Eman Mersal, Amjad Nasser, Sam Shimon and Bahaa Taher, and a discussion on "The Arab Novel" by Turki Al Hamad and Alwiyya Sobh will also take place. First-time novelist Maha Gargash (The Sand Fish) will be discussing how she has broken away from the traditional role of women in the UAE to fulfil her ambitions. This last day also includes an exclusive preview of best new writing from the Arab world by 39 of its brightest literary stars.
Tickets on sale
EAIFL runs from March 10-13, at The InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City. Tickets are now on sale for all sessions, priced from Dh39, available at Magrudy's outlets and the website: www.emirateslitfest.com.
However, there are many free events, including the fringe festival, the Fringe Parade and a Time Out Kids Zone.
