For the avid reader, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature offers an opportunity to engage even further with the world of words through thought-provoking author sessions and talks. From children’s favourite Jeff Kinney to regional names, the line-up this year caters to all kinds of bookworms. In conversation with three Emirati authors taking part at Emirates Lit Fest this year, MOJEH delves into their literary journeys, explores their inspirations and discovers what they are most looking forward to at this year's festival.
Dr. Afra Atiq
Tell us about your debut collection Of Palm Trees and Skies and the inspiration behind it?
The book is a celebration of a poetry journey and is so close to my heart. It is a collection of poems written over many years, covering so much of family, legacy, history, heritage and culture. Some poems intertwine these themes, while others approach them separately. This collection is truly a labour of love, with so much of my heart and soul poured into its pages.
What are you most excited for at this year’s Emirates LitFest?
The festival this year has an amazing programme. I am so excited to meet all the incredible authors and artists who will be at the festival. I can't wait to learn with and from them. It is always these inspiring connections and meetings that I look forward to the most.
How does Of Palm Trees and Skies blend traditional Arabic forms with contemporary expression?
I write in Arabic, English and French. Blending language is a key element of my poetry. It’s something I’ve done since I first started writing, intertwining multiple languages into my work to create depth, meaning and texture.
For me, this interplay between languages adds a unique layer of meaning and opens up new possibilities for expression. I also enjoy experimenting with poetic forms, finding innovative ways to structure my ideas. In fact, there’s often a subtle mathematical logic in the way I compose my poems.
In Of Palm Trees and Skies, the fusion of languages was intentional and deeply important. It’s about creating a space where these languages can coexist. In that space, sometimes harmonizing, sometimes contrasting, but always adding to the richness of the poems. This blending is central to how I approach poetry and reflects my belief in the power of language.
Ebtisam Al-Beiti
As a writer of children’s stories, what inspires you the most? Are there specific experiences, emotions, or societal issues that you draw from?
I’ve always said that I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked as an educator before I started writing. My experience working directly with children and understanding their developmental milestones has allowed me to have a way into understanding how to communicate certain messages in my stories. This can be the characters I choose, the language used or just the general story. I try to make my books educational but always always fun. A recurring theme in my work is self-belief and celebrating individuality, where key figures in a child’s life guide the protagonist toward this goal. My books are aimed for children in early years, so keeping it very simple is also essential. Lastly I always go by the words of C.S Lewis: “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest”.
How do you hope your books will impact young readers?
For me, I always hope that my book will be the one that a child picks over and over again—the book that parents get fed up of reading multiple times. It’s the one that parents and teachers say, "This one again?" That’s when I know I have succeeded. It's not just about the message that the author conveys in their book; it’s also about the desire to keep reading because of the excitement and happiness that the book brings every time it is opened. When I think back to my favorite children’s books, they are usually the ones that made me the happiest because they were just so much fun.
What are you currently working on? Are there any new books or projects in the pipeline?
There are many exciting projects in the pipeline! One of the most exciting is a sequel to A Dragon Called Blue. I've always wanted to write a sequel, but I wasn't sure how to do it with my first two books. However, I feel that with A Dragon Called Blue a wonderful new character was introduced at the end, and that's all I'm going to reveal for now. You'll have to wait for the shiny red dragon, which is coming soon inshAllah!
Amal Al Sahlawi
Tell us about your journey with poetry, when did you first realize your affinity towards this literature form?
My journey with poetry began at an early age, as I found solace in words and their ability to capture emotions that often eluded expression. Growing up, I was drawn to the rhythm, depth and beauty of Arabic poetry, which sparked a profound connection with this literary form. Over time, poetry became more than just a creative outlet—it became a lens through which I could explore humanity, reflect on life’s complexities, and make sense of the world around me.
Your poem Ghara'ib Al-'Umr was sung at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Tell us about the moment you found out.
Hearing that my poem Ghara'ib Al-'Umr would be performed at the Metropolitan Museum in New York was a surreal and humbling experience. It felt like a moment of convergence—where my words, rooted in the traditions and emotions of Arabic poetry, transcended borders and reached a global audience. The performance by Faraj Abyad infused the poem with a timeless quality, making it come alive in ways I had only dreamed of. It was a profound reminder of poetry's ability to connect hearts and cultures, regardless of distance.
What advice would you give to young poets?
To young poets, I would say to write with honesty and vulnerability. Poetry thrives on authenticity, and your unique voice is your greatest strength. Read widely, embrace both tradition and innovation, and allow yourself the freedom to explore different styles and forms. Most importantly, trust in the power of your words to resonate, heal and inspire. Poetry is a lifelong journey—nurture it with patience and passion, and it will continue to grow with you. The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature runs from 29 January to 3 February. Get Tickets
