Story perspectives

Rebecca F. Kuang Withdraws from UAE Festival Amid Boycott

12/6/2025

Summary

Story summary

Bestselling author Rebecca F. Kuang has withdrawn from the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in Dubai due to the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement's call for a boycott of the UAE.
Kuang cited the ongoing conflict in Sudan and her respect for cultural boycotts against genocide as reasons for her decision.
The BDS movement has broadened its focus to the UAE, linking it to support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which are accused of mass killings.
Global pressure for a boycott of the UAE is increasing amid these allegations.

1 of 1

Story summary

Bestselling author Rebecca F. Kuang has withdrawn from the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in Dubai due to the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement's call for a boycott of the UAE.
Kuang cited the ongoing conflict in Sudan and her respect for cultural boycotts against genocide as reasons for her decision.
The BDS movement has broadened its focus to the UAE, linking it to support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which are accused of mass killings.
Global pressure for a boycott of the UAE is increasing amid these allegations.