Literary festivals the beating heart of global cultural exchange

Do book fairs and literature festivals still matter? They absolutely do, with their role as vital sanctuaries for storytelling, cultural dialogue and intellectual discovery bringing together voices that reflect the diversity of our shared human experience.

We live in a world defined by its digital immediacy, where fleeting attention spans often favor short-form content over in-depth narratives. Literary festivals and their many offerings provide a necessary counterbalance. While their enduring allure may seem an oddity to many in the social media age, which is often characterized by virtual-only events, they are modern sanctuaries in which the power of storytelling is not only celebrated but also shared, connecting people across cultural, generational and digital divides.

As we approach the 2025 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, which will be held in Dubai between Jan. 29 and Feb. 3, it is clear that such events are pivotal, acting as conduits for cultural exchange, education, community engagement, economic stimulation and adaptation to modern lives and challenges.

Dubai — home to one of the most diverse populations in the world — is uniquely positioned to host a literary festival that embodies the ethos of cultural dialogue. The intersection of Emirati and international perspectives at the festival highlights how literature serves as a bridge between cultures, helping people form a better understanding of the other in an increasingly interconnected yet alienating world. The festival’s “Bil Emirati” strand specifically highlights the experiences of Emirati writers and authors, showcasing their perspectives to a wider audience.

Globally, festivals such as the Hay Festival (described by Bill Clinton as the “Woodstock of the mind”) and India’s bustling Jaipur Literature Festival in the Pink City also echo this vision, uniting writers and audiences from across continents to celebrate the universality of human experiences through words.

They are modern sanctuaries in which the power of storytelling is not only celebrated but also shared

Ahlam Bolooki

Beyond cultural connections, literary festivals are formidable educational tools. The Edinburgh International Book Festival, for instance, has long been a space for intellectual exploration and critical discussions on global issues, offering masterclasses that deepen participants’ engagement with literature. Learning shifts from being a solitary activity to a shared and dynamic experience, igniting curiosity in audiences of all ages and creating a collective consciousness of sorts fueled by a shared love and discourse on literature.

At the Emirates Literature Festival, initiatives like Desert Stanzas introduce attendees to the art of poetry under the stars. Such beautiful and immersive experiences instill a love of reading and storytelling, shaping the next generation of writers and thinkers.

The impact of literary festivals is not confined to cultural and educational domains; their contributions to the local economy are equally weighty. While Dubai is already one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations, its standing as a global cultural hub is reinforced by the Emirates Literature Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors annually. The ripple effects are felt across local businesses, from hotels to restaurants and shopping malls. This model is mirrored in festivals like the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, which attracts more than 150,000 attendees annually, contributing millions of dollars to the local economy.

Community engagement lies at the heart of every successful literary festival. The Emirates Literature Festival exemplifies this through its vibrant volunteer network, which brings together individuals who are united by a shared love of books and reading to support the festival. Every year, more than 300 volunteers from around the UAE join the Emirates Literature Foundation family, make new friends and discover new literary favorites. And using local talent and manpower to power the festival not only ensures that Dubai’s unique and multicultural fabric is interwoven into its narrative, it also creates a sense of ownership and participation among the city’s residents.

Finally, as a platform for emerging voices, these festivals democratize literature by providing space for underrepresented and emerging authors. It is the diversity of voices that enhances the literary scene and makes it more interesting and appealing with every passing year, ensuring that we get to see a richer and more inclusive array of narratives. By championing these voices, festivals contribute to a fairer representation in literature, challenging the status quo and enriching the literary canon.

More than mere celebrations of books, they are platforms for dialogue, discovery and connection

Ahlam Bolooki

As we are firmly entrenched in the digital age, literary festivals have proven remarkably adaptive to this era. Embracing the digital platforms preferred by younger demographics demonstrates how technology can enhance accessibility and engagement and bring the power and joy of the written and spoken word to new and younger readers. By welcoming digital communities like “BookTok,” “Bookstagram” and “BookTube” and the numerous creators on these platforms into its fold, festivals integrate contemporary storytelling formats without diminishing the value of traditional literature, while also guaranteeing that they remain relevant.

In adapting to contemporary challenges such as those brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and an increasing remote-attendance culture, festivals are showing resilience through innovation. Hybrid expo programs, such as the Frankfurt Book Fair, also illustrate how festivals can expand their reach, ensuring inclusivity for worldwide audiences.

As we prepare to welcome 2025 and its program of literary festivals, we are reminded of the enduring relevance of these gatherings. More than mere celebrations of books, they are platforms for dialogue, discovery and connection. They reinforce the idea that stories, whether shared in person or across digital spaces, remain central to understanding ourselves and one another.

In a world that often prioritizes speed over depth, literary festivals invite us to slow down, listen and engage with the narratives that shape our humanity. Therein, they are essential pillars of our cultural and intellectual lives. It is not a question of whether they matter or not — they are, without a doubt, indispensable.

• Ahlam Bolooki is CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation and Director of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.