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29 March 2024

Mohammed visits Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

Sheikh Mohammed takes an active interest in promoting literature (WAM)

Published
By Staff

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the third edition of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature on Thursday where he met with writers and literary figures taking part in the event.

During his tour Sheikh Mohammed spoke with authors attending the festival at the Intercontinental Hotel near Dubai Festival City, including Chinese poet Yang Lian who recited a poem in Cantonese in his honour.

Sheikh Mohammed also exchanged views with Nigerian poet Wole Soyinka and travel writer Michael Palin. Among the topics discussed were the cultural scene in the UAE and ways to encourage the UAE's youth to further immerse themselves in the country's rich literary heritage.

After welcoming the participants from around the world, Sheikh Mohammed said that the festival reflects the leadership's keen interest in the art of literature, saying that it acts as a bridge between diverse cultures.

Sheikh Mohammed was later briefed about a story writing competition for children organised by the festival to promote reading and writing amongst younger generations.

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will run until March 12 and is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed in partnership with Emirates Airline and the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied on his visit by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office Ahmed Abdullah Al Shaikh and other senior officials.