This year, the Emirates Airline Literature Festival 2026 will feature a distinguished collection of crime stories, ranging from courtroom dramas to domestic thrillers, special forces operations, and terrifying real investigations. The program this year will prove that crime stories not only capture attention but also fill every seat.
Scott Turow: The Expert Returns Scott Turow, author of 'Presumed Innocent,' returns after three decades with his new novel 'Presumed Guilty.' With a background in law, Turow, through his thrilling courtroom novels, reminds us that the truth is often more mysterious than fiction. His works resemble those of John Grisham but are distinguished by greater legal accuracy.
A Monster in the Clothing of a Friendly Neighbor School trips, book clubs, the neighbor who waters the plants—scenes that seem normal until someone disappears. This is the realm where Ruth Ware, Louise Candlish, and Annabel Abbs excel. Their session, 'The Monster Next Door,' addresses the crimes that hide behind curtains and trimmed hedges.
Blood, Sweat, and Tennis Balls Suspense is an art, and who better than Alex Shaw, an expert in special operations novels, and Judy Murray to analyze and understand its elements. Judy Murray, mother of tennis legend Andy Murray, has a unique skill for writing breathtaking endings. Their session, 'The Anatomy of Suspense,' demonstrates the importance of maintaining calm and composure, whether dealing with a barrage of bullets or winning a crucial point in a tennis match.
Merna El Mehdi: The Queen of Crime for Gen Z The Egyptian writer specializing in investigative journalism has gained prominence in the region with her skill in uncovering files and solving cases. She has won the hearts of Gen Z readers and a loyal, engaged audience that follows every revelation with passion. Merna affirms that investigative writing is not just a presentation of facts but an art of storytelling that lingers long after the last page is turned.
