Full Breakdown
Rebecca F. Kuang Withdraws from Dubai Literature Festival Amid BDS Call
12/6/2025, 9:10:52 PM
Author's Decision and Context
Bestselling American author Rebecca F. Kuang has withdrawn from the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in Dubai, scheduled for January 21-27, 2026. Her decision follows a recent call by the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement to boycott the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to its alleged complicity in mass atrocities in Sudan. In an Instagram story, Kuang stated that she is “no longer able to travel to Dubai” and emphasized her respect for organized cultural boycotts against genocide, particularly those from affected communities.
Background on the BDS Movement and UAE's Role
The BDS movement, which advocates for freedom, justice, and equality for Palestinians, expanded its focus in November 2025 to include calls for a boycott of the UAE. This shift was prompted by accusations that the UAE has been supplying arms to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group implicated in widespread atrocities, including ethnic cleansing and mass killings. The Sudanese government has raised an International Court of Justice case against the UAE, alleging complicity in genocide.
Growing Calls for Boycott
Kuang's withdrawal is part of a broader trend, as Sudanese activists and international figures have increasingly called for a cultural and academic boycott of the UAE. A recent letter signed by prominent academics, including Angela Davis and Hatem Bazian, urged cultural and academic institutions to reject funding and collaborations with Emirati entities. This movement gained momentum following the RSF's brutal assaults in Sudan, which have drawn international condemnation and scrutiny of the UAE's involvement.
Official Statements & Responses
In her message to the festival organizers, Kuang expressed regret over her late withdrawal, describing the festival as "a labour of love." She conveyed hope to attend in the future when the need for a boycott has ceased. The BDS National Committee reiterated its call for a boycott of the Emirati regime, linking the tactics used in Sudan to those employed in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite her intentions, Kuang faced criticism on social media for initially agreeing to headline the festival while writing extensively about themes of colonialism and displacement. Critics pointed out the perceived contradiction between her literary themes and her participation in an event sponsored by entities linked to the UAE government.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the UAE denies allegations of supplying arms to the RSF, the Sudanese government has taken formal action against the UAE in international courts. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to significant humanitarian crises, with tens of thousands killed and millions displaced, raising questions about the international community's response to the situation.
What's Next
As the situation in Sudan continues to evolve, the cultural and academic boycott of the UAE is likely to gain further traction, with more artists and academics potentially reassessing their engagements with Emirati institutions.
