Fourteen-year-old author, podcaster, book reviewer and speaker Oindrila Chakraborty has been invited to present at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature (ELF) 2026, scheduled to take place in Dubai from January 21 to 27, 2026. 

Her participation is officially listed on the Emirates Literature Festival’s website, marking her inclusion in one of the region’s most prestigious literary platforms.

Organised by the Emirates Literature Foundation, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is widely recognised as the UAE’s flagship literary event. The Foundation states that it “aims to build a strong literary culture in the UAE and region by supporting readers, writers, publishers, students, teachers, and librarians through diverse initiatives, fostering a love for reading, promoting cultural exchange, and positioning the UAE as a global literary hub, all via non-profit activities like the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.” Now in its 18th edition, ELF continues to play a central role in promoting literature, ideas, and cultural dialogue across generations.

The 2026 edition has been announced across several major platforms, including the Dubai Government Media Office, Arabian Business, Gulf News, and the Emirates Literature Foundation’s official website. 

These announcements highlight a programme featuring over 200 writers from around the world, alongside panel discussions, workshops, school engagement initiatives, and major global literary awards. Chakraborty’s name appears on the official Emirates Literature Festival author listings, along with her profile confirming her role as a presenting author at the event.

Oindrila Chakraborty’s invitation aligns with ELF’s commitment to nurturing emerging voices and promoting youth engagement in literature. Her presentation at the festival represents a significant milestone in her young literary career, placing her alongside established international authors and thinkers.

In addition to her upcoming presentation at ELF 2026, Chakraborty has already achieved significant milestones in her literary journey. She published her first novella, The Adventures of the Legendary Queen, at age 11, followed by her second novel, Shadows of Rosalia, at 13. Both books were published by Notion Press and are available globally through platforms such as Amazon, Kindle, Kobo, and other major e-commerce portals and bookstores. Her first novella has also been selected for presentation at the Emirates Kids Literature Festival 2026.

Chakraborty also runs a podcasting channel focused on book reviews and documentaries, contributing to youth-led literary engagement. 

She is a recipient of a creative and contemporary arts scholarship from her British curriculum school, has received an Honourable Mention for a short story from Oxford University Press and the Emirates Literature Foundation, and has earned a Readers’ Choice Award for another short story published in a teen fiction anthology. She has additionally conducted a book club at the Zayed Central Library and holds two copyrights.