Tahbib Festival
2026
Culture in Motion. A meeting of languages,
creative voices and shared possibilities.
Many voices.
One shared stage.
Tahbib Festival Dubai 2026 is an international literary, arts and cultural festival on 11 and 12 December 2026. The evening programme on 11 December takes place at India Club, Oud Metha, Dubai; the 12 December programme takes place at Etihad Museum, Dubai.
The programme brings together Emirati literature, multilingual poetry, international literary exchange, architecture, heritage, storytelling and cultural dialogue—connecting the UAE, its expatriate communities and international audiences.
Programme details.
Two days of literary dialogue, Emirati poetry, architecture, storytelling and cultural exchange. All times are Dubai local time (GST / UTC+4).
The published programme and timings below are confirmed. All times are Dubai local time.
Cinema, Poetry & Performance
India Club, Oud Metha, Dubai
Evening timings · 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Fixed running order: the programme begins at 5:00 PM. Short transitions are included between sessions.
Film & Cinema Discussion
Participants / performers to be announced
A moderated conversation exploring film, cinema and the art of telling stories on screen.
Mushaira
Participants / performers to be announced
An evening of Urdu poetry and shared literary expression.
Tahbib Voice
Participants / performers to be announced
A dedicated Tahbib Voice segment celebrating creative expression.
Kathak Performance
Participants / performers to be announced
A classical Kathak performance bringing rhythm, movement and storytelling to the stage.
Ghazal Singing
Participants / performers to be announced
A musical finale celebrating the poetry and expression of the ghazal.
Architecture, Literature & Cultural Performances
Etihad Museum, Dubai
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Walter Burley Griffin: Architecture, Heritage & Urban Identity
Atif Haneef; Shaista
Author; architect · architecture, heritage and cultural discussion
A commemorative discussion marking Walter Burley Griffin’s 150th birth anniversary, exploring his architectural legacy, heritage preservation, urban planning and cultural identity.
Voice of the Emirates
Mohammed Al Hebsi; Shaikha Al Mutairi
Emirati poet and novelist; Emirati poet
A celebration of Emirati literature with Arabic poetry recitations, selected English translations and a literary dialogue on the UAE’s poetic heritage and contemporary expression.
The German Way of Seeing
Mudabbar Ahsan; Daniela Tully
Poet; English-language author
An interactive literary conversation exploring German perspectives on poetry, art, literature and life through cultural comparisons and creative dialogue.
The Stories We Inherit
Javed Akhtar; Avni Doshi; Daniela Tully; Deeba Irfan (Moderator)
Poet, lyricist and screenwriter; novelist; English-language authors
An English-language panel on memory, family, cultural identity and storytelling across generations, exploring how inherited stories influence contemporary writing.
Dastangoi: The Art of Storytelling
Syed Sahil Agha
Urdu storyteller
A traditional Urdu storytelling performance bringing classical oral narratives to life through dramatic narration, expressive dialogue and theatrical storytelling.
The Inner Voice: Finding Strength Through Change
Rupa Sharma; Deeba Irfan
Author; English-language author
An English-language conversation on personal transformation, resilience, self-discovery and the power of storytelling in navigating life’s challenges.
Festival Closing Ceremony
Festival Representative
Organising team
Official closing remarks, acknowledgements to guests, speakers and supporting organisations, followed by a vote of thanks.
Speakers & storytellers.
Meet the voices joining this year’s discussions, poetry sessions and storytelling performance.
Poet, lyricist and screenwriter whose work spans Hindi cinema and Urdu poetry.
Emirati poet, novelist and historical researcher.
Urdu poet and writer based in Germany.
Dubai-based writer, poet and author of Urma.
Emirati poet and cultural voice whose work celebrates Arabic literary expression.
Author of Hotel on Shadow Lake, with a background in film and television.
Novelist and author of Burnt Sugar, shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize.
Indian storyteller specialising in Dastangoi, the oral storytelling tradition in Urdu.
Portrait sources & photo credits
- Javed Akhtar — photo supplied by the festival organiser.
- Avni Doshi — Yuma Martellanz · author website
- Deeba Irfan — Deeba Salim Irfan · official website
- Mohammed Al Hebsi — photo supplied by the festival organiser.
- Atif Tauqeer — photo supplied by the festival organiser.
- Syed Sahil Agha — photo supplied by the festival organiser.
- Shaista — photo supplied by the festival organiser.
- Daniela Tully — Daniela Tully · official author website
- Shaikha Al Mutairi — Emarat Al Youm · poetry event portrait
- Atif Haneef — photo supplied by the festival organiser; restored portrait based on the supplied photograph.
- Rupa Sharma — photo supplied by the festival organiser.
- Mudabbar Ahsan — photo supplied by the festival organiser; original face preserved with layout crop.
Portraits are displayed with layout crops. Attendance remains subject to confirmation.
VIPs.
Distinguished VIPs and cultural voices joining Tahbib Festival Dubai 2026.
H.E. Mr. Showkutally Soodhun, G.C.S.K.
Former Vice Prime Minister
Republic of Mauritius
Javed Akhtar
Renowned Bollywood lyricist
Poet, lyricist and screenwriter whose work spans Hindi cinema and Urdu poetry.
Atif Haneef
Prominent author
Get your passes.
Get your passes using the booking link below when it becomes available.
Booking link coming soonThe official booking link has not yet been announced on this page. For pass enquiries, contact the Tahbib team.
Ask about passes →No payment or ticket reservation is made through this enquiry link.
Plan your visit.
Dates: 11 & 12 December 2026
City: Dubai, UAE
11 December venue: India Club, Oud Metha, Dubai
12 December venue: Etihad Museum, Dubai
Day 1: Friday, 11 December, 5:00–9:00 PM at India Club, Oud Metha. Day 2: Saturday, 12 December, 4:00–8:00 PM at Etihad Museum. All times are Dubai local time.
Where do I book passes?
The official booking link will appear in the pass section above. Until then, email tahbibfestival@gmail.com for enquiries.
Who is taking part?
See the confirmed speakers and guests listed above.
How do I contact the organisers?
Email tahbibfestival@gmail.com or call +971 52 691 9878.
Can we discuss a partnership?
For cultural, educational and sponsorship enquiries, email connect@tahbibglobal.com.