Since its debut in 2009, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature has been pushing boundaries in the industry and promoting literature in all forms throughout the region. This year’s event, taking place on March 8-12, is predicted to be just as big as last, with 30,000 visitors expected, alongside more than 100 authors: big names on the line-up include Michael Palin and Margaret Atwood, as well as budding local writers from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. There will also be workshops galore, where visitors can learn everything from cookery skills to trauma writing, calligraphy and Arabic poetry.

The beauty of literature is that anything you’ve ever been interested in has been written down – now all you have to do is indulge in it. Here’s some exclusive insight from visiting literary greats, our picks from the festival, and some of the best beach reads to get you warmed up.
EAFL takes place on March 8-12 at Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association in Al Mamzar, and the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Tickets from Dhs39, available at www.emirateslitfest.com.