Emirates Literature Foundation

The Emirates Literature Foundation, home of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, is a not-for-profit non-governmental organisation that supports and nurtures a love of literature in the UAE and across the region through a programme of varied cultural initiatives.

Recognising the distinctive contribution that literature makes to children’s lives, the Foundation focuses on introducing and cultivating a spirit of reading while acting as a catalyst for writing and cultural exchange.

The Foundation governs the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the UAE’s premier literary festival, which was held from 4-9 February, 2020, and as part of its initiatives, has implemented a School Librarian of the Year Award, a programme bringing authors to engage with inmates at Dubai Prisons, Voices of Future Generations, as well as year-round School Education Programmes, Book Clubs and Creative Writing Courses.

Established in 2013 by Royal Decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, the Foundation aims to foster a life-long love for all literature.

History of the Foundation

The Emirates Literature Foundation was founded in 2013 following the life-long dream of Isobel Abulhoul OBE, the CEO of the Foundation. Inspired by the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the Foundation aims to break down barriers and encourage a culture of reading in the UAE.