Tahbib Festival — Selected International Theme

Dubai International Cultural Festival

Culture in Motion

TAHBIB FESTIVAL
Dubai skyline with Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future and Dubai Frame
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Dubai skyline with blue silk and a book
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A meeting of cultures

Contemporary cultural pavilion concept
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Ideas, arts and expression

AI-generated illustrative literary conversation
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Voices →

Perspectives beyond borders

Tahbib Festival Dubai 2026 official banner featuring Javed Akhtar, 10 and 11 December
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Your next cultural journey

The next chapter · Dubai

Tahbib Festival 2026

10 & 11 December 2026
Two days. Many languages. One shared spirit.

Rooted in Dubai. Open to the world.

A meeting
of worlds.

Tahbib is a cultural and educational festival bringing poetry, literature, music and the arts into one shared conversation. Founded by Mohammad Tariq Faizi, it creates a space where established voices and emerging talent meet curious audiences.

Across languages and generations, we celebrate what makes every culture distinctive—and the stories that connect us.

Discover the next edition →
CultureLiving heritage & creative expression
EducationIdeas for the next generation
ConnectionDialogue across languages
The Tahbib experience

Ideas in motion.

Discover the creative worlds at the heart of Tahbib. The detailed 2026 programme and session timings will be announced separately.

01 · Words

Poetry & Literature

Multilingual poetry, mushaira, storytelling and literary conversations that bring language to life.

02 · Rhythm

Music & Performance

Artistic performances and musical traditions celebrating diverse cultures and their creative energy.

03 · Perspectives

Film & Creative Arts

Conversations around cinema, imagination and the people who shape our visual stories.

04 · Heritage

Art & Craft

Traditional art, handmade crafts and contemporary expression in a dialogue between past and present.

05 · Discovery

Learning & Dialogue

A cultural meeting place for young people, educators and audiences eager to explore new ideas.

06 · Taste

A World of Flavours

Food traditions and multi-cuisine experiences that celebrate culture through shared discovery.

White and blue cultural pavilion illustration
Culture beyond borders

Many expressions.
One shared stage.

Art is an invitation to listen, discover and connect. Tahbib brings creative traditions into an international conversation.

Explore our cultural spirit →
Every language carries a world

Poetry across
languages.

From the lyrical heritage of Urdu and Arabic to Hindi, English and Malayalam, Tahbib celebrates distinctive voices without losing their individuality. A shared stage makes room for new perspectives, translation and cultural exchange.

UrduArabicHindiEnglishMalayalam
Our creative legacy

Voices that connect.

Tahbib’s story includes celebrated writers, poets and filmmakers whose work crosses generations and borders.

Javed AkhtarWriter, poet & lyricist
Mahesh BhattFilmmaker
Kabir KhanFilmmaker
Sanjay GuptaFilmmaker
Shihab GhanemArabic poetry
Atif TauqeerPoetry & cultural dialogue
Mahmoud NoorArabic poetry
Deeba Salim IrfanPoet & author

Names reflect Tahbib’s past editions and cultural legacy, not a confirmed 2026 lineup. The 2026 participants will be announced.

Moments from past editions

A living legacy.

Real moments from Tahbib’s festival archive—poetry, conversation and audiences brought together by a shared cultural spirit.

Archive photographs show past events, not the 2026 venue or lineup.

Enlarged Tahbib festival archive photograph

Plan your visit

Your next
chapter awaits.

Join the next Tahbib Festival in Dubai on 10 & 11 December 2026. Explore the edition page for updates and pass information.

Tahbib Festival 2026 →
When is Tahbib Festival 2026?

The next Dubai edition is on 10 and 11 December 2026.

Where will the festival take place?

The festival is in Dubai. The exact venue and arrival information will be shared once confirmed.

How can I get passes?

The booking link will be added to the 2026 edition page when available. You can contact the team for pass enquiries.

View pass information →
Are the speakers and timings confirmed?

The detailed 2026 programme, session timings and participant lineup will be announced. Archive names on this website describe past editions.

Can my organisation collaborate?

We welcome cultural, educational and partnership conversations. Contact connect@tahbibglobal.com to introduce your organisation and explore opportunities.

Build a cultural conversation

Let’s create
something meaningful.

For cultural partnerships, educational collaborations, sponsorship enquiries or participation, start a conversation with the Tahbib team.

Explore a partnership →