Emirates LitFest 2026 Celebrates 25 Years of Ibn Battuta Prize

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2026 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Ibn Battuta Prize for Travel Literature, one of the most respected awards celebrating travel writing and storytelling. Inspired by the legendary Arab traveller Ibn Battuta, the prize promotes a deeper understanding of cultures, places, and people around the world.

Today’s travel writers focus on learning and observation, rather than luxury or destinations alone. Their stories allow readers to experience different cultures and perspectives through words. This spirit of exploration is reflected in Emirates LitFest’s diverse programme, running from January 21 to 27, 2026.

Several renowned travellers, historians, and scientists will take part in this year’s festival.

Thor Pedersen, a Danish adventurer, will share his journey of visiting all 203 countries without flying. He will discuss his memoir The Impossible Journey on Friday, January 23, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm.

Tim Mackintosh-Smith, a leading travel writer and historian with decades of experience in the Arab world, will join a panel discussion on the meaning of travel today as part of the Ibn Battuta Prize session on Saturday, January 24, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm.

Renowned historian and author Bettany Hughes will appear alongside Peter Frankopan in a session titled A Historian’s Guide to Surviving the 21st Century on Saturday, January 24, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm.

Emirati tourism expert Ibrahim Altehli, who has visited nearly 200 countries, will lead an Arabic session titled Wanderer on Sunday, January 25, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, exploring the personal meaning of travel and discovery.

Scientist and explorer Neil Shubin will also speak on Sunday, January 25, sharing stories from his research in extreme environments, from the Arctic to Antarctica.

Later the same day, science communicator Dr. Kelly Weinersmith will present Life on Mars, a session examining space exploration and humanity’s future beyond Earth, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.