In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the 16th edition of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, organized by the Emirates Literature Foundation (ELF), commenced today. H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Member of the Dubai Council, graced the inaugural event. The festival, supported by Emirates Airline as the title sponsor and Dubai Culture and Arts Authority as the founding partner, features prominent literary figures such as Sir Ben Okri, Claudia Rankine, and Saud Al Sanousi in its lineup. The festivities, running until February 6, 2024, will host over 200 sessions in various formats, celebrating the power of storytelling and community. The opening gala also revealed the winners of the third cycle of the ELF Seddiqi Writers’ Fellowship, showcasing the program’s success in nurturing aspiring writers. The festival aims to bridge cultures and promote the richness of local arts and culture, with a special focus on Emirati creators.