Dubai, UAE, September 27, 2016:  The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature picked up another accolade today, winning Best Family Friendly Day Out at the Time Out Dubai Kids Awards 2016. Isobel Abulhoul, OBE, CEO and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation and Director of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, accepted the Award. 

‘We could not be prouder of what our Festival has achieved over the past eight years,’ Abulhoul said. ‘Families have always been at the heart of the Festival, and the aim from the beginning was to ensure that the programme offered something for everyone, ages 1 to 99+ years, plus a wide variety of interests, from Architecture to Zoology! Receiving official recognition that the Festival is the perfect day out for the entire family delights the whole team, and gives us renewed energy for the busy year ahead.’

Established in 2009, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature aims to foster a reading culture among young people in the UAE and the region. The children’s programme has been a vital aspect of the Festival, with the highlights including the Fringe events which give youngsters the opportunity to delve into drama, poetry and art as well as the Education Days where Festival authors from around the world visit schools and inspire students to pick up a book and read.
The student competitions have also continued to grow and engage the youth of the region, by creating platforms for them to express their creativity, through participation in reading quizzes, or through writing or performance poetry.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 2017 Festival will be held from 3-11 March.