Javed Akhtar and Kabir Khan to Headline Dubai’s Tahbib Festival 2025

Dubai is set to host one of its most anticipated cultural events, the Tahbib Festival 2025, a two-day multilingual celebration running on November 29 and December 1 at India Club, Oud Metha Road. Renowned for uniting communities through cinema, poetry, literature, and performance arts, this year’s edition promises to be the festival’s most dynamic and diverse gathering yet. 

The festival opens with an exclusive session on cinema and global storytelling led by acclaimed filmmaker Kabir Khan, known for hits such as Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Ek Tha Tiger, and 83. The session is expected to attract filmmakers, students, and cinema enthusiasts eager to explore the evolving landscapes of Indian and international film industries.

Alongside cinema, day one features panel discussions with industry changemakers, business leaders, and a psychology segment, as well as dedicated English and Arabic literary sessions, music, and theatre performances, offering audiences a powerful mix of intellectual and artistic engagement.

Day two highlights the literary and musical traditions of the region, opening with a grand Mushaira featuring distinguished poets, followed by a performance by Mumbai’s specially-abled Audis Band, and the Tahbib Voice Award ceremony. The festival will conclude with a soul-stirring Qawwali Night, promising an evening of spiritual and musical brilliance.

The Tahbib Festival celebrates the richness of Urdu, Arabic, and English, creating a shared space for storytellers and audiences from across the globe. The 2025 edition is powered by American Tourister, with Kanz Jewels as the style partner, and sponsored by Zenith Business Solutions, Visions, Erkaan Dubai, Eypie, LeximX, Baaz, Hichki, and Cloud9 International General Trading LLC.

This year, festival-goers can expect a truly immersive experience, blending the power of literature, cinema, and music in a celebration of multicultural storytelling.