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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for magpie
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TZID:Asia/Dubai
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TZOFFSETFROM:+0400
TZOFFSETTO:+0400
TZNAME:+04
DTSTART:20230101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260412T160000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20260412T180000
DTSTAMP:20260503T183921
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:20260503T183921
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:20260503T183921
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:20260503T183921
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:20260503T183921
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:20260503T183921
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://magpie.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pencil-in4.webp
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:20260503T183921
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:20260503T183921
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/wp-content/uploads/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:20260503T183921
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:20260503T183921
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:20260503T183921
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:20260503T183921
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:20260503T183921
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:20260503T183921
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://magpie.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pencil-in4.webp
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:20260503T183921
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:20260503T183921
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://magpie.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pencil-in1.webp
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:20260503T183921
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:20260503T183921
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://magpie.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pencil-in5.webp
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:20260503T183921
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:20260503T183921
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:20260503T183921
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/wp-content/uploads/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:20260503T183921
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/wp-content/uploads/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:20260503T183921
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/wp-content/uploads/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:20260503T183921
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
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20241124T153000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20241124T170000
DTSTAMP:20260503T183921
CREATED:20241119T162013Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241119T162013Z
UID:10010908-1732462200-1732467600@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: Deepak Unnikrishnan
DESCRIPTION:As part of the Biennial\, poet and writer Deepak Unnikrishnan will host a workshop for audiences aged over 18 at 3.30pm at the Abu Dhabi bus station.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/public-art-abu-dhabi-biennial-deepak-unnikrishnan/
LOCATION:Abu Dhabi Main Bus Terminal\, Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street\, Abu Dhabi\, United Arab Emirates
CATEGORIES:Words,Workshop
GEO:24.4546546;54.3935906
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Abu Dhabi Main Bus Terminal Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street:geo:54.3935906,24.4546546
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241122
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241125
DTSTAMP:20260503T183921
CREATED:20241105T145812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241120T151029Z
UID:10010835-1732233600-1732492799@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Focal Point 2024
DESCRIPTION:The seventh edition of Sharjah Art Foundation’s Focal Point art book fair – the region’s only art book fair\, we think – features local and international publishers with book launches\, talks\, workshops and musical performances during its run (22 to 24 November at Bait Obaid Al Shamsi\, 10am to 4pm each day). \nFeaturing artists’ presses\, bookmakers\, self-publishers and non-commercial cultural producers\, this year’s edition encourages the community to engage with independent publishing and the central role of books as tools for social mobilisation and the development of a free and just world.  This year\, Sharjah Art Foundation has invited several community leaders\, artists\, graphic designers and independent practitioners to present a selection of publications from their respective cultural ecosystems at Focal Point; the fair will also include workshops on sketching\, writing and zine-making\, in addition to conversations\, readings\, presentations and meet-and-greet sessions. \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/focal-point-2024/
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:20241117
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241124
DTSTAMP:20260503T183921
CREATED:20241025T084427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241025T122018Z
UID:10010775-1731801600-1732406399@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Al Ain Book Festival 2024
DESCRIPTION:AABF has changed its nomenclature from ‘book fair’ to ‘book festival’ for 2024\, but this is till an important date for Arab-language publishers – and the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC)\, which organises it\, has reported a “significant” increase in publisher registration requests for this 15th edition: the 260 registrations represents better than a twothirds increase on 2023. AABF promotes the Arabic language as “a fundamental pillar of cultural identity\, and a repository of the values\, traditions\, and the rules of conduct (Sanaa’)\, upon which the UAE was founded and from which its unique development journey began – a journey that starts and ends with the human being”. Last year’s fair attracted more than 95\,000 visitors. \nThe ‘festival’ element implies that there will be a lot of sideshows and associated events\, but right now the website is still promoting 2023 and we can’t tell you what they might be. No doubt this will be rectified nearer the time … Note that these dates are a change to the original schedule\, which had AABF opening on 18 November.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/al-ain-book-festival-2024/
LOCATION:Hazza bin Zayed Stadium\, Al Ain
CATEGORIES:Festival,Words
GEO:24.1301619;55.8023118
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20240512T183000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20240512T203000
DTSTAMP:20260503T183921
CREATED:20240320T103248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240320T103305Z
UID:10008890-1715538600-1715545800@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Dubai Bibliophiles Book Club – Toni Morrison's Beloved
DESCRIPTION:The book group discusses what is arguably Morrison’s finest literary work\, a multi-layered attempt to give voice to the collective memory of African Americans that also explores notions of family\, trauma\, the repression of memory\, and of course the restoration of the historical record. Published in 1987\, it won a Pullitzer Prize and New York Times poll of critics ranked it as the best work of American fiction between 1981 and 2006. Well worth reading\, and a rich source for discussion.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/dubai-bibliophiles-book-club-toni-morrisons-beloved/
LOCATION:21grams Urban Balkan Bistro\, Meyan Mall\, Al Thanyah St\, Umm Suqeim 2\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Meetup,Words
GEO:25.14468;55.1987169
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=21grams Urban Balkan Bistro Meyan Mall Al Thanyah St Umm Suqeim 2 Dubai;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Meyan Mall\, Al Thanyah St\, Umm Suqeim 2:geo:55.1987169,25.14468
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20240511T110000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20240511T130000
DTSTAMP:20260503T183921
CREATED:20240507T113756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240507T113756Z
UID:10009417-1715425200-1715432400@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Writing Workshop | Object Lessons: Bad Diaspora Poems
DESCRIPTION:Led by poet and researcher Momtaza Mehri\, this writing workshop traces what diaspora means as a space of both collectivity and tension. Paryicipants are invited to “write around\, and through\, objects that represent the inward facing\, closely-held relationship we have to our diaspora” and each should bring along an object that speaks to their time in the Gulf as a site of centuries-deep diasporic encounters and frissons.
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/writing-workshop-object-lessons-bad-diaspora-poems/
LOCATION:Alserkal Arts Foundation\, Warehouse 50/51\, Alserkal Avenue\, Dubai
CATEGORIES:Words,Workshop
GEO:25.1431157;55.2246127
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Alserkal Arts Foundation Warehouse 50/51 Alserkal Avenue Dubai;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Warehouse 50/51\, Alserkal Avenue:geo:55.2246127,25.1431157
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20240328T210000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20240328T230000
DTSTAMP:20260503T183921
CREATED:20240312T142434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240312T143047Z
UID:10008880-1711659600-1711666800@magpie.ae
SUMMARY:Writers’ Suhoor
DESCRIPTION:Another of 421’s Ramadan specials – a gathering for wordsmiths to exchange writings\, makes zines\, and connect over food. “The perfect chance to share your experiences and exchange ideas while connecting with fellow writers who understand your unique journey …” \n  \n 
URL:https://magpie.ae/event/writers-suhoor/
LOCATION:421 Arts Campus\, Mina Zayed\, Abu Dhabi\, United Arab Emirates
CATEGORIES:Words
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://magpie.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/421-writers-suhoor.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
END:VCALENDAR