Exclusive book launches, free poetry nights, and community gatherings bring Dubai’s literary community together this month
By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: Launched under Emirates Literature Foundation, The Dubai International Writers’ Centre (DIWC) continues its year-round programme supporting writers, readers, and the wider creative community with a full slate of events taking place this September. From hands-on writing workshops to free poetry nights, spanning English, Arabic, in-person and virtual formats, there really is something for everyone:
The Sunday Letter Club
A quarterly social gathering bringing together curious, creative, and like-minded people for an afternoon of conversation, connection, and letter writing.
When: Sunday, 6 September 2026 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Where: Emirates Literature Foundation Office | AED 105
Language: English
Writing Gym
A casual two-hour session of writing sprints, creative challenges, prompts, and independent writing designed to get participants motivated, inspired, and putting words down.
When: Thursday, 10 September 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Where: Emirates Literature Foundation Office | AED 55
Language: English
Community Poetry Night
Presented with Medina Creatives, celebrating the “Art of Connection” with an evening of collaborative poetry, live music, featured performers, and fresh voices.
When: Friday, 18 September 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Where: Emirates Literature Foundation Office | Free
Language: English – with multi-lingual performances
Book Launch: The Soul That Wandered East by Jay Palfrey
Filmmaker and world traveller, Jay Palfrey’s journeys through 45 countries have garnered millions of views and his debut novel, The Soul That Wandered East, reflects that same experience of self-discovery.
When: Saturday, 19 September 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Where: Emirates Literature Foundation Office | Free
Language: English
How to Design a Book Cover
Art director Mohammed A. Aljebouri leads an interactive online workshop exploring how typography, imagery, and colour transform manuscripts into compelling visual identities.
When: Friday, 25 September 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Virtual, via Zoom | AED 105
Language: Arabic
Book Launch: Talk Human by Luca Allam
Executive communication coach and podcast host Luca Allam launches his first book, exploring authentic communication and why finding your voice matters more than ever in an AI-driven world.
When: Friday, 25 September 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Where: Emirates Literature Foundation Office | Free
Language: English
DIWC and the Emirates Literature Foundation continue to offer a growing calendar of workshops, talks, support groups, networking events, book launches, and professional development sessions for the literary and creative community.