Writers boycott Adelaide Festival after Randa Abdel-Fattah is dropped
Updated 09 January 2026
Arab News
DUBAI: A wave of writers have withdrawn from the Adelaide Festival’s Writers’ Week, prompting organizers to take down a section of the event’s website as the backlash continues over the removal of Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah from the 2026 program.
The festival confirmed on Friday that it had temporarily removed the online schedule listing authors, journalists, academics and commentators after participants began pulling out in protest of the board’s decision, which cited “cultural sensitivity” concerns following the Bondi terror attack.
In a statement posted online, the festival said the listings had been unpublished while changes were made to reflect the growing number of withdrawals.
By Friday afternoon, 47 speakers had already exited the program, with more believed to be coordinating their departures with fellow writers.
High-profile figures stepping away include Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper, Sarah Krasnostein, Miles Franklin Prize winner Michelle de Kretser, Drusilla Modjeska, Melissa Lucashenko and Stella Prize-winning poet Evelyn Araluen.
Best-selling novelist Trent Dalton also withdrew from the event. He had been scheduled to deliver a paid keynote at Adelaide Town Hall, one of the few Writers’ Week sessions requiring a ticket.
Where We Are Going Today: Brown Branch Bakery and Cafe
New cafe alert in Alkhobar’s Olaya
Updated 13 February 2026
Jasmine Bager
While leaving my friend a voice note as I exited a popular local cafe across the street, I stumbled upon the building that houses Brown Branch, a newly opened bakery and cafe, and decided to head over and check it out.
I was intrigued enough to step inside after spotting the window lush with fresh flowers.
The well-lit, well-decorated, aesthetically pleasing interior was fragrant and full of life.
Up the flight of stairs, there is ample seating both indoors and outdoors — for those who prefer fresh air or a view of the surroundings.
The cafe is so practical for work or study. Outlets are aplenty so you can charge your device while you recharge. (AN photo by Jasmine Bager)
The cafe is so practical for work or study. Outlets are aplenty so you can charge your device while you recharge.
Having opened just this month, it only had a few customers during my visit, but I am sure the cafe will grow and blossom once more people discover it.
Two customers — who turned out to be nurses — were enthusiastically finishing their order, of which only crumbs remained. We had a pleasant chat and I asked what they had tried.
They had devoured the blueberry cheesecake, priced at SR29 ($7), and highly recommended it. The cheesecake is round and perfect for one or to share. I immediately placed that order.
Some of the offerings of Brown Branch Bakery and Cafe. (AN photo by Jasmine Bager)
What made it fun was that the crust encased it, with fresh berries decorating part of the top. For me, the crust is always my favorite part, so having it be where my spoon dug into first was such a pleasant surprise. The creamy interior with some fruit tucked within was really good. I ate it all in one go.
They also raved about their cups of hot chocolate (SR15 each).
Since I was well caffeinated from the neighboring cafe, I opted for an iced hibiscus tea for SR17, which was very refreshing — though the size was small and finished quickly. Wish it was larger.
I also tried a slice of lemon cake for SR13 with icing on top. It was enjoyable but not memorable.
The owner is already established in the local cafe community. She opened the Meow Cafe at Amwaj Mall a few years ago and later expanded to Dammam.
Brown Branch's owner also owns Meow Cafe at Amwaj Mall, which had expanded to Dammam. (AN photo by Jasmine Bager)
With this new venture, she is showcasing a fresh sensibility.
The name Brown Branch alludes to growth, picking fruit and relaxing together on a branch — a connection with nature that reflects the ambience and overall vibe.
There is a glass display filled with pastries — you would be spoiled for choice — and the drink menu is also extensive.
I am definitely coming back to try even more offerings.
