BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//magpie - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://magpie.ae
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for magpie
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Asia/Dubai
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0400
TZOFFSETTO:+0400
TZNAME:+04
DTSTART:20230101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260717T190000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260717T220000
DTSTAMP:20260715T100948Z
CREATED:20260715T100948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T100948Z
UID:10013957-1784314800-1784325600@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Sahab x Kutubna Documenting War
DESCRIPTION:The Sahab Collective writing group is getting together to produce written materials for possible inclusion in Kutubna’s Documenting Culture in the Gulf in a Time of War exhibition (opens 3 September). The exhibition asks “what does it mean to be a mother\, a father\, a grandparent\, a child\, a teenager in the Gulf in the midst of missile and drone attacks? What is it like to be a writer or artist during this war? How are people living and experiencing this time? How is our experience different based on profession\, cultural background\, and family or other responsibilities?” and notes “you do not have to be a historian to record history. You do not have to be a writer to help shape the writings that emerge about this time …” DM @sahabcollective for more details on the writing session.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/sahab-x-kutubna-documenting-war/
LOCATION:House 436\, Al Shindagha\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Words
GEO:25.2670274;55.2893391
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=House 436 Al Shindagha Dubai;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Al Shindagha:geo:55.2893391,25.2670274
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260716T180000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260716T200000
DTSTAMP:20260703T123236Z
CREATED:20260703T123236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T123236Z
UID:10013954-1784224800-1784232000@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:A Writing Practice: The Writers' Workshop
DESCRIPTION:The second of six sessions for this writing seminar led by  Sarah Afaneh designed for writers at any stage of their practice. It comprises six sessions held across three months\, alternating between guided teaching and communal workshops. In this workshop session\, the focus is on each other’s writing\, “building the collaborative foundation of a community that challenges and supports each other to grow”. Open to ages 18+\, no prior experience required. \nThere are further sessions on 20 August\, 27 August\, 10 September and 17 September.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/a-writing-practice-the-writers-workshop/
LOCATION:421 Arts Campus\, Mina Zayed\, Abu Dhabi\, United Arab Emirates
CATEGORIES:Words,Workshop
GEO:24.5224833;54.3877183
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Mina Zayed:geo:54.3877183,24.5224833
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260709T180000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260709T200000
DTSTAMP:20260703T123251Z
CREATED:20260703T122831Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T123251Z
UID:10013953-1783620000-1783627200@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:A Writing Practice: Penmanship as Friendship
DESCRIPTION:“A welcoming space to write alongside others and find your voice on the page” in the form of a writing seminar led by  Sarah Afaneh designed for writers at any stage of their practice. It comprises six sessions held across three months\, alternating between guided teaching and communal workshops. In this teaching session\, participants will build trust in the most fundamental part of their writing practice: putting pen to paper. Open to ages 18+\, no prior experience required. \nThere are further sessions on 16 July\, 20 August\, 27 August\, 10 September and 17 September.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/a-writing-practice-penmanship-as-friendship/
LOCATION:421 Arts Campus\, Mina Zayed\, Abu Dhabi\, United Arab Emirates
CATEGORIES:Words,Workshop
GEO:24.5224833;54.3877183
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Mina Zayed:geo:54.3877183,24.5224833
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260621T183000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260621T200000
DTSTAMP:20260616T143353Z
CREATED:20260616T142956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T143353Z
UID:10013911-1782066600-1782072000@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Dubai Bibliophiles: Susan Choi\, Flashlight
DESCRIPTION:A monumental 2025 novel from the National Book Award winner\, Flashlight spans decades and continents in a spellbinding investigation of family\, loss\, memory\, and the ways in which we are shaped by what we cannot see. Powerful stuff: “domestically sprawling\, geopolitically bold” said the Guardian. “Choi is one of contemporary literature’s great demolition artists\, and her emotional foundations hold. She can build as well as she detonates.” \n 
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/dubai-bibliophiles-susan-choi-flashlight/
LOCATION:The Coffee Club\, Times Square Center\, 4B Street\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Words
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://magpie.ae/thumbpress-image/2026/06/flashlight.webp
GEO:25.1395254;55.2200619
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Coffee Club Times Square Center 4B Street Dubai;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Times Square Center\, 4B Street:geo:55.2200619,25.1395254
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260618T180000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260618T200000
DTSTAMP:20260602T144451Z
CREATED:20260504T154014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T144451Z
UID:10013731-1781805600-1781812800@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Pencil In
DESCRIPTION:A writers’ group intended for writers to practice their craft without the pressures of producing a final outcome\, designed to provide a supportive environment for writers to write alone yet in a group. You’re invited to polish your writing skills while receiving valuable feedback from experienced peer reviewers in English and/or Arabic\, having active conversations with other like-minded writers\, and enjoying a safe space to share personal texts and works … \nThese sessions are free\, and drop-ins are welcome. It’s led by regular Sarah Afaneh\, a researcher and writer with a particular interest in decolonising knowledge production.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/pencil-in-10/
LOCATION:421 Arts Campus\, Mina Zayed\, Abu Dhabi\, United Arab Emirates
CATEGORIES:Words,Workshop
GEO:24.5224833;54.3877183
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Mina Zayed:geo:54.3877183,24.5224833
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260507T180000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260507T200000
DTSTAMP:20260503T112213Z
CREATED:20260503T112113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260503T112213Z
UID:10013717-1778176800-1778184000@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Pencil In
DESCRIPTION:A writers’ group intended for writers to practice their craft without the pressures of producing a final outcome\, designed to provide a supportive environment for writers to write alone yet in a group. You’re invited to polish your writing skills while receiving valuable feedback from experienced peer reviewers in English and/or Arabic\, having active conversations with other like-minded writers\, and enjoying a safe space to share personal texts and works … \nThese sessions are free\, and drop-ins are welcome. It’s led by regular Sarah Afaneh\, a researcher and writer with a particular interest in decolonising knowledge production.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/pencil-in-9/
LOCATION:421 Arts Campus\, Mina Zayed\, Abu Dhabi\, United Arab Emirates
CATEGORIES:Words,Workshop
GEO:24.5224833;54.3877183
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Mina Zayed:geo:54.3877183,24.5224833
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260412T160000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260412T180000
DTSTAMP:20260402T092241Z
CREATED:20260402T092207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T092241Z
UID:10013593-1776009600-1776016800@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:To Be A Writer in This Time
DESCRIPTION:Subtitled “UAE authors reflect on their art and practice during war”\, this Kutubna panel discussion about writing – or not writing – at his time features authors Amandeep Ahuja\, Hafsa Lodi\, Shahd Thani\, Tamreez Inam\, Tessy Koshy\, and Yosr ElSherbiny. \n 
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/to-be-a-writer-in-this-time/
LOCATION:Kutubna Cultural Center\, Madina Avenues 17\, Nadd Al Hamar\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Words
GEO:25.1887983;55.3840009
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Kutubna Cultural Center Madina Avenues 17 Nadd Al Hamar Dubai;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Madina Avenues 17\, Nadd Al Hamar:geo:55.3840009,25.1887983
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260313
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260314
DTSTAMP:20251126T132740Z
CREATED:20251126T132740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T132740Z
UID:10013089-1773360000-1773446399@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:LAST CHANCE The Dice Player: Mahmoud Darwish
DESCRIPTION:A celebration of the life and work of the great Palestinian poet (b.1941  d.2008) that unfolds across six themed sections – The Son explores his childhood in Al-Birwa; The Poet highlights his early literary beginnings; The Exiled follows his displacement and travels; The Lover examines the role of love in his work; The Activist reflects his national commitment and the transformation of language into struggle; and The Absent Presence commemorates his enduring human and artistic legacy. \nRather than a biography\, the exhibition traces the evolution of his work through words\, images\, and music\, reflecting his vision of life and poetry; it offers an interactive artistic and cultural journey\, using AV technology to immerse visitors in Mahmoud Darwish’s poetry and prose. .
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/last-chance-the-dice-player-mahmoud-darwish/
LOCATION:House of WIsdom\, Al Juraina 1\, Sharjah
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,Words
GEO:25.3056999;55.5031115
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=House of WIsdom Al Juraina 1 Sharjah;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Al Juraina 1:geo:55.5031115,25.3056999
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260303T200000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260303T220000
DTSTAMP:20260112T182101Z
CREATED:20260112T181836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T182101Z
UID:10013235-1772568000-1772575200@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Dubai Bibliophiles: Andy Clark\, The Experience Machine
DESCRIPTION:Anyone who has read Clark’s sweeping but very accessible vision of cognitive science is free to join this Dubai Bibliophiles Book Club meetup. It’s a great choice: the key takeaway – experience itself is a kind of controlled hallucination because our mind is constantly making and refining predictions about what we expect to see. There’s plenty to talk about there …
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/dubai-bibliophiles-andy-clark-the-experience-machine/
LOCATION:The Coffee Club\, Times Square Center\, 4B Street\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Book club,Words
GEO:25.1395254;55.2200619
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Coffee Club Times Square Center 4B Street Dubai;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Times Square Center\, 4B Street:geo:55.2200619,25.1395254
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260226
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260309
DTSTAMP:20260218T104113Z
CREATED:20260218T104113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T104113Z
UID:10013456-1772064000-1773014399@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Big Bad Wolf Book Sale
DESCRIPTION:The self-styled “World’s Biggest Book Sale” is returning to Sound Stages\, Dubai Studio City\, from 26 February to 8 March\, open daily 10am to midnight with something like two million titles in various genres on sale with prices from AED 2 and discounts elsewhere of up to 75 percent on RRP. Especially good for kids\, but there should be something for everyone (though you may have to hunt through the numerous aisles for it).
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/big-bad-wolf-book-sale-2/
LOCATION:Dubai Studio City\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Words
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260215T183000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260215T200000
DTSTAMP:20260112T182054Z
CREATED:20260112T182054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T182054Z
UID:10013236-1771180200-1771185600@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Dubai Bibliophiles: Kurt Vonnegut\, Slaughterhouse-Five
DESCRIPTION:Anyone who has read Kurt Vonnegut’s powerful SF-infused semi-autobiographical anti-war satire is free to join this Dubai Bibliophiles Book Club meetup. Centring on the infamous WWII firebombing of Dresden\, this darkly humorous American cult classic still feels relevant and profoundly affecting. Another good choice by Dubai Bibliophiles. \n 
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/dubai-bibliophiles-kurt-vonnegut-slaughterhouse-five/
LOCATION:The Coffee Club\, Times Square Center\, 4B Street\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Words
GEO:25.1395254;55.2200619
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Coffee Club Times Square Center 4B Street Dubai;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Times Square Center\, 4B Street:geo:55.2200619,25.1395254
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260212T180000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260212T200000
DTSTAMP:20260203T160042Z
CREATED:20260203T160042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T160042Z
UID:10013390-1770919200-1770926400@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Pencil In
DESCRIPTION:A writers’ group intended for writers to practice their craft without the pressures of producing a final outcome\, designed to provide a supportive environment for writers to write alone yet in a group. You’re invited to polish your writing skills while receiving valuable feedback from experienced peer reviewers in English and/or Arabic\, having active conversations with other like-minded writers\, and enjoying a safe space to share personal texts and works … \nThese sessions are free\, drop-ins are welcome\, and you even get a free cup of coffee. This one is led by Sarah Afaneh\, a researcher and writer with a particular interest in decolonising knowledge production.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/pencil-in-8/
LOCATION:421 Arts Campus\, Mina Zayed\, Abu Dhabi\, United Arab Emirates
CATEGORIES:Words,Workshop
GEO:24.5224833;54.3877183
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Mina Zayed:geo:54.3877183,24.5224833
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260207T170000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260207T190000
DTSTAMP:20260203T093512Z
CREATED:20260203T093454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T093512Z
UID:10013374-1770483600-1770490800@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Writers’ Mixer
DESCRIPTION:An opportunity for writers – novelists\, poets\, journalists\, bloggers\, and more – to meet\, exchange ideas\, and network: “connect with fellow book lovers\, spark new collaborations\, and feel part of a shared creative space … An evening of conversation\, inspiration\, and a shared love for the written word”. It’s led by the Abu-Dhabi-based Kuwaiti author Mohamed Asem; tickets are AED 25 (free to Kutubna members) which includes a drink from the Café Kutubna menu.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/writers-mixer/
LOCATION:Kutubna Cultural Center\, Madina Avenues 17\, Nadd Al Hamar\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Words
GEO:25.1887983;55.3840009
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Kutubna Cultural Center Madina Avenues 17 Nadd Al Hamar Dubai;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Madina Avenues 17\, Nadd Al Hamar:geo:55.3840009,25.1887983
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260121
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260128
DTSTAMP:20260114T152756Z
CREATED:20260113T170612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T152756Z
UID:10013274-1768953600-1769558399@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
DESCRIPTION:LitFest is back with the usual rich brew of panel discussions and conversations\, talks\, workshops\, family activities and the LitFest After Hours programme. It looks like the biggest and most varied yet\, so that probably means it will be the best … \nSome sessions are free (including workshops for beginner writers) but most are charged-for – AED 50 upwards (AED 200 for many of the single-author sessions\, AED 300+ for workshops\, AED 425 for the Desert Stanzas poetry-music performances under the stars). There’s a multi-day pass at AED 400\, which looks like a bargain – in fac it only gets you into Conversations\, Family Activities\, and LitFest After Hours\, but you could easily spend a lot more than 400 on those. \nMore multi-session pass options would be a good thing. So would a scheduler; there are 22 venue rooms in total and half-hour slots between 8am and 10pm across the seven days (not all of which are filled\, of course\, but there are more than 150 events in total) so it can get quite complicated looking for non-clashing events. There’s a PDF grid here which might help\, though it’s bit and difficult to use; something a bit more AI-ish would have been better – “is this mix of events doable?” or “will I have time to get from A to B?” for instance.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/emirates-airline-festival-of-literature-2/
LOCATION:InterContinental Hotel\, Dubai Festival City\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Festival,Words
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://magpie.ae/thumbpress-image/2026/01/litfest.webp
GEO:25.2171003;55.3613635
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=InterContinental Hotel Dubai Festival City Dubai;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Dubai Festival City:geo:55.3613635,25.2171003
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260114
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260119
DTSTAMP:20260113T090910Z
CREATED:20260113T090910Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T090910Z
UID:10013254-1768348800-1768780799@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Sharjah Festival of African Literature
DESCRIPTION:The second edition of the festival brings together 20 African and nine Emirati authors for around 20 Library sessions\, book talks and panel discussions – and a series of African cooking sessions. The theme is “The African Way”\, which is more or less what you’d expect given the title. There’s not much detail on what happens when and who’s involved\, but The National has listed some of the authors due to attend: \nLemn Sissay British-Ethiopian poet\, writer and playwright\nSiphiwe Gloria Ndlovu Zimbabwean novelist\, winner of Best International Fiction Book award at last year’s Sharjah International Book Fair\nTsitsi Dangarembga Zimbabwean author who has been longlisted for the Booker\nNahida Esmail Tanzanian author and poet known for young adult and children’s literature\nRichard Mabala British-Tanzanian cultural activist and author\nSefi Atta Nigerian-American author\nDilman Dila Ugandan writer and filmmaker\nBeatrice Lamwaka Ugandan author
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/sharjah-festival-of-african-literature/
LOCATION:University City\, Sharjah
CATEGORIES:Festival,Words
GEO:25.3561698;55.427211
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20251214T100000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20251214T160000
DTSTAMP:20251210T102522Z
CREATED:20251210T101911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T102522Z
UID:10013153-1765706400-1765728000@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Focal Point 2025
DESCRIPTION:The eighth and biggest edition of Sharjah Art Foundation’s art book fair – the region’s only book fair dedicated to publishing about art\, we think – features local and international publishers with book launches\, talks\, workshops and musical performances during its run (12 to 14 December at Bait Obaid Al Shamsi\, 10am to 4pm each day). The fair invited several community leaders\, artists\, graphic designers and independent practitioners to present a selection of publications from their respective cultural ecosystems at Focal Point; there will also be workshops on sketching\, writing and zine-making\, in addition to conversations\, readings\, presentations and meet-and-greet sessions. Always buzzy in a laid-back way\, and well worth a visit. \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/focal-point-2025/2025-12-14/
LOCATION:Sharjah Art Foundation\, Bait Obaid Al Shamsi\, Arts Square\, Sharjah
CATEGORIES:Book Fair,Words
GEO:25.3461555;55.4210932
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Sharjah Art Foundation Bait Obaid Al Shamsi Arts Square Sharjah;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Arts Square:geo:55.4210932,25.3461555
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20251213T100000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20251213T160000
DTSTAMP:20251210T102522Z
CREATED:20251210T101911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T102522Z
UID:10013152-1765620000-1765641600@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Focal Point 2025
DESCRIPTION:The eighth and biggest edition of Sharjah Art Foundation’s art book fair – the region’s only book fair dedicated to publishing about art\, we think – features local and international publishers with book launches\, talks\, workshops and musical performances during its run (12 to 14 December at Bait Obaid Al Shamsi\, 10am to 4pm each day). The fair invited several community leaders\, artists\, graphic designers and independent practitioners to present a selection of publications from their respective cultural ecosystems at Focal Point; there will also be workshops on sketching\, writing and zine-making\, in addition to conversations\, readings\, presentations and meet-and-greet sessions. Always buzzy in a laid-back way\, and well worth a visit. \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/focal-point-2025/2025-12-13/
LOCATION:Sharjah Art Foundation\, Bait Obaid Al Shamsi\, Arts Square\, Sharjah
CATEGORIES:Book Fair,Words
GEO:25.3461555;55.4210932
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Sharjah Art Foundation Bait Obaid Al Shamsi Arts Square Sharjah;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Arts Square:geo:55.4210932,25.3461555
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20251212T100000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20251212T160000
DTSTAMP:20251210T102522Z
CREATED:20251210T101911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T102522Z
UID:10013151-1765533600-1765555200@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Focal Point 2025
DESCRIPTION:The eighth and biggest edition of Sharjah Art Foundation’s art book fair – the region’s only book fair dedicated to publishing about art\, we think – features local and international publishers with book launches\, talks\, workshops and musical performances during its run (12 to 14 December at Bait Obaid Al Shamsi\, 10am to 4pm each day). The fair invited several community leaders\, artists\, graphic designers and independent practitioners to present a selection of publications from their respective cultural ecosystems at Focal Point; there will also be workshops on sketching\, writing and zine-making\, in addition to conversations\, readings\, presentations and meet-and-greet sessions. Always buzzy in a laid-back way\, and well worth a visit. \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/focal-point-2025/2025-12-12/
LOCATION:Sharjah Art Foundation\, Bait Obaid Al Shamsi\, Arts Square\, Sharjah
CATEGORIES:Book Fair,Words
GEO:25.3461555;55.4210932
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Sharjah Art Foundation Bait Obaid Al Shamsi Arts Square Sharjah;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Arts Square:geo:55.4210932,25.3461555
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251114
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251115
DTSTAMP:20251126T132652Z
CREATED:20251126T132652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T132652Z
UID:10013088-1763078400-1763164799@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:The Dice Player: Mahmoud Darwish
DESCRIPTION:A celebration of the life and work of the great Palestinian poet (b.1941  d.2008) that unfolds across six themed sections – The Son explores his childhood in Al-Birwa; The Poet highlights his early literary beginnings; The Exiled follows his displacement and travels; The Lover examines the role of love in his work; The Activist reflects his national commitment and the transformation of language into struggle; and The Absent Presence commemorates his enduring human and artistic legacy. \nRather than a biography\, the exhibition traces the evolution of his work through words\, images\, and music\, reflecting his vision of life and poetry; it offers an interactive artistic and cultural journey\, using AV technology to immerse visitors in Mahmoud Darwish’s poetry and prose. . \nThe title of course refers to one of his best-known poems: \nWho am I to say to you\nwhat I say to you?\nI was not a stone polished by water\nand became a face\nnor was I a cane punctured by the wind\nand became a flute… \nI am a dice player\,\nSometimes I win and sometimes I lose\nI am like you\nor slightly less … \nTo 13 March.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/the-dice-player-mahmoud-darwish/
LOCATION:House of WIsdom\, Al Juraina 1\, Sharjah
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,Words
GEO:25.3056999;55.5031115
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=House of WIsdom Al Juraina 1 Sharjah;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Al Juraina 1:geo:55.5031115,25.3056999
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20250619T180000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20250619T200000
DTSTAMP:20250404T084259Z
CREATED:20250404T084259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250404T084259Z
UID:10011880-1750356000-1750363200@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Pencil In
DESCRIPTION:A writers’ group intended for writers to practice their craft without the pressures of producing a final outcome\, designed to provide a supportive environment for writers to write alone yet in a group. You’re invited to polish your writing skills while receiving valuable feedback from experienced peer reviewers in English and/or Arabic\, having active conversations with other like-minded writers\, and enjoying a safe space to share personal texts and works … \nYour peer reviewers / group leaders this time are Alexa Mena\, a marketing professional and writer covering culture and wellness; and Shahad Alsaqqaf\, an Emirati writer\, poet\, and multidisciplinary artist who explores storytelling through poetry\, music\, acting\, and spoken word. \nThese sessions are free\, drop-ins are welcome\, and you even get a free cup of coffee.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/pencil-in-7/
LOCATION:421 Arts Campus\, Mina Zayed\, Abu Dhabi\, United Arab Emirates
CATEGORIES:Words,Workshop
GEO:24.5224833;54.3877183
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Mina Zayed:geo:54.3877183,24.5224833
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250601
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250728
DTSTAMP:20250715T092931Z
CREATED:20250715T091754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250715T092931Z
UID:10012610-1748736000-1753660799@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Ahmad Nabil: Fetus Exodus
DESCRIPTION:A Jameel Library Commission by the Palestinian artist and educator that explores regional myths and legends through ten monthly texts – chapters in fact\, in digital form – that address an imagined foetus (referred to as a “child of myths”) as it prepares to be born. Through this imagined dialogue\, the foetus is introduced to mythological thought and encouraged to embrace a shared imaginarium. The chapters traverse the entire cycle from creation and birth to resurrection\, encouraging exploration of their commonalities while making space for differences. \nAfter its conclusion on 27 July you can still view the whole project here.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/ahmad-nabil-fetus-exodus/
LOCATION:Jameel Library\, Jameel Arts Centre\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Art,Words
GEO:25.2290425;55.3403969
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Jameel Library Jameel Arts Centre Dubai;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Jameel Arts Centre:geo:55.3403969,25.2290425
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20250529T180000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20250529T200000
DTSTAMP:20250404T084029Z
CREATED:20250404T084029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250404T084029Z
UID:10011879-1748541600-1748548800@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Pencil In
DESCRIPTION:A writers’ group intended for writers to practice their craft without the pressures of producing a final outcome\, designed to provide a supportive environment for writers to write alone yet in a group. You’re invited to polish your writing skills while receiving valuable feedback from experienced peer reviewers in English and/or Arabic\, having active conversations with other like-minded writers\, and enjoying a safe space to share personal texts and works … \nYour peer reviewers / group leaders this time are Maha Alkindi and Shahad Alsaqqaf\, both Emirati writers and poets who are well known from open mic events. \nThese sessions are free\, drop-ins are welcome\, and you even get a free cup of coffee.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/pencil-in-6/
LOCATION:421 Arts Campus\, Mina Zayed\, Abu Dhabi\, United Arab Emirates
CATEGORIES:Words,Workshop
GEO:24.5224833;54.3877183
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Mina Zayed:geo:54.3877183,24.5224833
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250509
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250512
DTSTAMP:20250429T080510Z
CREATED:20250429T080510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250429T080510Z
UID:10011996-1746748800-1747007999@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Reading for Pleasure Conference
DESCRIPTION:The second edition of this Emirates Literature Foundation conference brings together a diverse selection of educators and experts from across the globe\, including some of the most influential voices in the fields. The aim: to discuss and offer guides to best practice with the overall aim of fostering a love of reading amongst children. This year’s theme\, Beyond the Classroom\, focuses on the need to extend the scope of reading and associated activities\, considering such issues as reading with STEM\, inclusivity\, the impact of AI on reading\, and topics as explorative as reading art and keeping culture alive for children. Perhaps the tone will be set by the opening session\, which has the title ‘Reading in schools – we’re doing it wrong’; librarian and library adviser Alan Jacques has the hot seat for this one\, which he’s amplified as ‘Literacy rates are up and yet global statistics show that reading level are down … what’s happening?’ \nThe conference runs afternoons only 9 to 11 May. It is definitely one for librarians\, teachers and other professionals\, but there will be important learnings for parents too …
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/reading-for-pleasure-conference/
LOCATION:Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences\, Al Razi St\, Umm Hurair 2\, Dubai Healthcare City\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Conference,Words
GEO:25.2316835;55.3221155
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences Al Razi St Umm Hurair 2 Dubai Healthcare City Dubai;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Al Razi St\, Umm Hurair 2\, Dubai Healthcare City:geo:55.3221155,25.2316835
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20250422T180000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20250422T200000
DTSTAMP:20250404T083547Z
CREATED:20250404T083547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250404T083547Z
UID:10011878-1745344800-1745352000@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Pencil In
DESCRIPTION:A writers’ group intended for writers to practice their craft without the pressures of producing a final outcome\, designed to provide a supportive environment for writers to write alone yet in a group. You’re invited to polish your writing skills while receiving valuable feedback from experienced peer reviewers in English and/or Arabic\, having active conversations with other like-minded writers\, and enjoying a safe space to share personal texts and works … Your peer reviewer / group leader this time is Nava Rizvi\, a Pakistani artist and art historian born and raised in the UAE; her research and practice explore cultural memory\, (de)colonial theory\, ephemera\, language\, and third-culture narratives. \nThese sessions are free\, drop-ins are welcome\, and you even get a free cup of coffee.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/pencil-in-5/
LOCATION:421 Arts Campus\, Mina Zayed\, Abu Dhabi\, United Arab Emirates
CATEGORIES:Words,Workshop
GEO:24.5224833;54.3877183
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Mina Zayed:geo:54.3877183,24.5224833
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20250412T110000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20250412T130000
DTSTAMP:20250401T145901Z
CREATED:20250401T145901Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T145901Z
UID:10011831-1744455600-1744462800@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Reading Group: Reading the City – Home and Belonging in the Gulf
DESCRIPTION:The Jameel Library Reading Groups return with a new series that considers urban life across the globe. Over the course of four sessions\, participants will engage with short texts that spotlight different cities\, following thematic threads and examining contemporary literature reflecting urban spaces. The series will be conducted in English and led by Tamreez Inam\, writer\, literary consultant\, curator\, and former Assistant Festival Director and Head of Programming at the Emirates Literature Foundation. \nThis session explores themes of immigration\, displacement\, and the complexities of belonging in Gulf cities. Participants will delve into the lives of migrant workers\, expats and residents in narratives\, essays and poetry that reflect the lived experiences of diverse urban communities. Reading material includes texts by Danabelle Gutierrez\, Hiten Samtani and Mia Alvar. \nReading groups are free and open to all; registration is required\, though\, as space is limited. Registered participants are expected to commit to all the sessions and reading material\, attend the session they have registered for\, and contribute to a respectful and open discursive environment.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/reading-group-reading-the-city-home-and-belonging-in-the-gulf/
LOCATION:Jameel Library\, Jameel Arts Centre\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Words
GEO:25.2290425;55.3403969
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Jameel Library Jameel Arts Centre Dubai;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Jameel Arts Centre:geo:55.3403969,25.2290425
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20250410T180000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20250410T200000
DTSTAMP:20250403T105858Z
CREATED:20250403T105835Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250403T105858Z
UID:10011736-1744308000-1744315200@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Pencil In
DESCRIPTION:A writers’ group intended for writers to practice their craft without the pressures of producing a final outcome\, designed to provide a supportive environment for writers to write alone yet in a group. You’re invited to polish your writing skills while receiving valuable feedback from experienced peer reviewers in English and/or Arabic\, having active conversations with other like-minded writers\, and enjoying a safe space to share personal texts and works … These sessions are free\, drop-ins are welcome\, and you even get a free cup of coffee.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/pencil-in-4/
LOCATION:421 Arts Campus\, Mina Zayed\, Abu Dhabi\, United Arab Emirates
CATEGORIES:Words,Workshop
GEO:24.5224833;54.3877183
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Mina Zayed:geo:54.3877183,24.5224833
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20250220T180000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20250220T200000
DTSTAMP:20250128T084945Z
CREATED:20250128T084945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250128T084945Z
UID:10011305-1740074400-1740081600@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Pencil In
DESCRIPTION:A writers’ group intended for writers to practice their craft without the pressures of producing a final outcome\, designed to provide a supportive environment for writers to write alone yet in a group. You’re invited to polish your writing skills while receiving valuable feedback from experienced peer reviewers in English and/or Arabic\, having active conversations with other like-minded writers\, and enjoying a safe space to share personal texts and works … These sessions are free\, drop-ins are welcome\, and you even get a free cup of coffee.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/pencil-in-3/
LOCATION:421 Arts Campus\, Mina Zayed\, Abu Dhabi\, United Arab Emirates
CATEGORIES:Words,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://magpie.ae/thumbpress-image/2025/01/pencil-in.jpg
GEO:24.5224833;54.3877183
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Mina Zayed:geo:54.3877183,24.5224833
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20250206T180000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20250206T200000
DTSTAMP:20250128T084817Z
CREATED:20250128T084241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250128T084817Z
UID:10011304-1738864800-1738872000@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Pencil In
DESCRIPTION:We love this idea\, and it’s just the sort of thing that we’d hope for from an arts centre like 421. It’s a writers’ group intended for writers to practice their craft without the pressures of producing a final outcome\, designed to provide a supportive environment for writers to write alone yet in a group. You’re invited to polish your writing skills while receiving valuable feedback from experienced peer reviewers in English and/or Arabic\, having active conversations with other like-minded writers\, and enjoying a safe space to share personal texts and works … These sessions are free\, drop-ins are welcome\, and you even get a free cup of coffee.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/pencil-in-2/
LOCATION:421 Arts Campus\, Mina Zayed\, Abu Dhabi\, United Arab Emirates
CATEGORIES:Words,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://magpie.ae/thumbpress-image/2025/01/pencil-in.jpg
GEO:24.5224833;54.3877183
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Mina Zayed:geo:54.3877183,24.5224833
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250129
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250204
DTSTAMP:20250127T155210Z
CREATED:20250127T153401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T155210Z
UID:10011285-1738108800-1738627199@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
DESCRIPTION:The UAE’s biggest and best literary event is back at the newly renovated InterContinental Dubai Festival City\, with the usual cornucopia of writers\, creators and thought leaders – a total of around 150 events. That’s slightly fewer than usual\, and the festival is a day shorter than last year; there’s still the usual favourites (Desert Stanzas\, LitFest After Hours\, Discovery Talks\, the LitFest Families programme) running alongside the busy schedule of author talks and panels. \nBig-name authors this time include Abraham Verghese\, Hala Gorani\, Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket)\, Chigozie Obioma\, Abdel Illah Benarafa\, poet and author Khalid Albudoor\, and the celebrated Palestinian chef and cookbook author Fadi Kattan. \n“Global conversations around identity and culture have never been more crucial\,” said LitFest director Ahlam Bolooki\, “and we are honoured to welcome literary icons from across the globe whose works speak to the heart of these issues … Now\, more than ever\, we need stories that connect us to our shared humanity\, and the Emirates LitFest is where those stories happen”. \nThe full programme is here\, including prices. The days usually start at 10am and most sessions should be done by 6pm\, though a few don’t start till 7 or 8pm. \n 
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/emirates-airline-festival-of-literature/
LOCATION:Festival City\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Festival,Words
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://magpie.ae/thumbpress-image/2025/01/Emirates-LitFest-crowds.jpg
GEO:25.2048493;55.2707828
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20241128T180000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20241128T200000
DTSTAMP:20241121T162117Z
CREATED:20241121T162117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241121T162117Z
UID:10010944-1732816800-1732824000@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Pencil In
DESCRIPTION:We love this idea — it’s a writers’ group intended for writers to practice their craft without the pressures of producing a final outcome\, designed to provide a supportive environment for writers to write alone yet in a group. You’re invited to polish your writing skills while receiving valuable feedback from experienced peer reviewers in English and/or Arabic\, having active conversations with other like-minded writers\, and enjoying a safe space to share personal texts and works … These sessions are free\, drop-ins are welcome\, and you even get a free cup of coffee.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/pencil-in/
LOCATION:421 Arts Campus\, Mina Zayed\, Abu Dhabi\, United Arab Emirates
CATEGORIES:Words,Workshop
GEO:24.5224833;54.3877183
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Mina Zayed:geo:54.3877183,24.5224833
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR