5 of the best travel writers participating in this year’s Festival 

This year, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will be celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the Ibn Battuta Prize for Travel Literature. This prestigious award carries with it the spirit of the famous medieval traveller and encourages a deeper understanding of the world through storytelling.   

The modern travel writer seeks knowledge in the world around us, far beyond racking up airline miles or reviewing fancy five-star hotels. To read their works is to let the world wash over you – and see different countries and cultures as they do. 

Regardless of the genre, reading transports you. Enter the pages of a book and you can imagine yourself anywhere, anytime, as anyone. 

It’s this same sense of freedom and adventure that Emirates LitFest has harnessed through its diverse 2026 programme. Here are five of the most storied adventurers and speakers participating in the Festival from 21 – 27 January: 

Thor Pedersen 

Many of mankind’s great firsts are behind us – from discovering new land to summiting the tallest mountain, even walking on the moon.

A decade ago, Thor Pedersen embarked on a quest to reach every country in the world… without flying. His epic adventure across 203 countries was based on one simple question: why not be the first? 

The Danish traveller will be recounting his new memoir, The Impossible Journey, at Emirates LitFest on Friday, January 23 at 4.00 – 5.00pm. Tickets available for AED 50. 

Tim Mackintosh-Smith

Multi-hyphenate Arabist, historian, translator, and novelist, Tim Mackintosh-Smith is one of the most knowledgeable voices in travel literature today. His genre-defying works explore time, place, and culture through travel, and he has spent forty years in the Arab world, much of it in the Old City of Sana’a, Yemen.

His Emirates LitFest session on the Ibn Battouta Prize will bring together Nouri Al-Jarrah, the prize’s general director, with Dr Naima Al-Housani and Dr Ahmed Barqawi to discuss the meaning of travel today. Taking place on Saturday, January 24 at 2.00 – 3.00pm for AED 50 per person. 

Bettany Hughes

Bettany Hughes is a historian, broadcaster, and bestselling author whose work brings the ancient world vividly to life. She believes in visiting the places where history happened to truly understand it, and has written and presented landmark documentaries exploring everything from Ancient Greece to the Ottoman Empire. 

At Emirates LitFest, she will be presenting A Historian’s Guide to Surviving the 21st Century alongside Peter Frankopan. Join the conversation on Saturday, January 24 at 3.00 – 4.00pm for AED 50. 

Ibrahim Althehli

Emirati media professional and tourism expert, Ibrahim Altehli founded the UAE’s first specialized travel and tourism magazine in 2000. He has visited nearly 200 countries, delivered lectures on tourism culture, and received local and international awards for photography and contributions to Arab tourism media.

His Emirates LitFest session entitled Wanderer will explore the moments when we feel fulfilled and content, whether in a strange city, among passing faces, or on a long journey. The Arabic conversation with Abdulwahab Alhammadi, moderated by Aloush Alswait, will take place on Sunday, January 25 at 1.00 – 2.00pm for AED 50. 

Neil Shubin

Neil Shubin has explored the planet’s most extreme frontiers, from Arctic ice to Antarctic storms, making scientific discoveries that reshape our understanding of life on earth. The polar paleantologist’s latest chronicle, Ends of the Earth, is a captivating blend of science, history, memoir and travelogue – written with his infectious enthusiasm and curiosity.  

Emirates LitFest audiences can hear Neil’s tales of frozen landscapes and daring science on Sunday, January 25 at 1.00 – 2.00pm for AED 50. 

Dr. Kelly Weinersmith 

Going one small step but one giant leap further, acclaimed science communicator Dr. Kelly Weinersmith explores the possibilities of life beyond Earth – pairing her love of sci-fi with real PhD insights. 

Her session Life on Mars will reflect on our place in the cosmos and the future of space exploration. Taking place on Sunday, 25 January at 5.00 – 6.00pm for AED 50. 

The sky really is the limit at Emirates LitFest 2026!