The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature commenced yesterday at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, in the presence of H.E. Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, former Minister of Development and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates; H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the President of the UAE and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University; H.E. Hala Badri, Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; H.E. Dr. Rafia Obaid Ghubash, psychiatrist and specialist in epidemiology, former President of the Arabian Gulf University and President of the Arab Network for Women in Science and Technology; and H.E. Isobel Abulhoul, founder, advisor, and Board Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation.
The festival featured a panel discussion with the participation of H.E. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, and H.E. Dr. Khalifa Ali Al Suwaidi, Assistant Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at the College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, attended by the Assistant Directors General of GDRFA Dubai, a number of GDRFA Dubai employees, and a distinguished group of leading writers, thinkers, and literary figures from around the world.
During his address at the festival, H.E. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri affirmed that translation is no longer merely a linguistic concept, but a civilizational act that reflects the ability of ideas to move from vision to impact, and from thought to practice. He noted that societies capable of translating their ideas are the most able to drive transformation and build the future.
He explained that selecting “Translation” as the festival’s main theme embodies its role in building bridges between cultures and strengthening human dialogue, in line with Dubai’s vision as a global city that celebrates diversity and transforms it into intellectual and human value.
Al Marri also addressed the institutional transformation journey of GDRFA Dubai, drawing inspiration from a number of leadership insights presented in My Life Lessons by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. These insights affirm that challenges are not obstacles, but starting points for development, and that true leadership is founded on self-awareness and continuity in improvement. He further highlighted the proactive and flexible approach to service development through a series of initiatives that have reinforced innovation as a continuous path, reflecting Dubai’s confidence in its ability to evolve and renew.
Al Marri emphasized that GDRFA Dubai approaches translation as a daily practice visible on the ground, communicating with its audiences in more than 55 media languages, reflecting respect for diversity, ease of access, and clarity of message.
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the largest celebration of the written and spoken word in the Arab world, featuring more than 200 sessions and speakers from over 40 nationalities, within a rich program of inspiring stories, in-depth intellectual discussions, and interactive activities—underscoring the role of literature and knowledge in building bridges of understanding between peoples.
H.E. Al Marri concluded his participation by reaffirming that the value of words is not measured by the elegance of their phrasing, but by their ability to create impact, emphasizing that Dubai will continue to stand as a model of a city that does not merely translate languages, but translates visions into achievements.
