I want to make sure that my time is used towards something impactful: Ahlam Bolooki

"The UAE has not just set the standard for gender balance but reshaped what’s possible,” said Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, as she took the stage at Gulf News and BeingShe’s The Future Women Leaders Forum 2025, at InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Over the past two years, Bolooki has been at the helm of one of the region’s most influential literary organizations, building on the legacy of her predecessor while forging her own path.

Speaking candidly about the challenges of stepping into the shoes of Isobel Abulhoul, the Foundation’s founding director, Bolooki acknowledged the weight of responsibility. “She is, as you say, huge shoes to fill, and there will never be another Isobel Abulhoul. And I'm not trying to be Isobel Abulhoul,. I'm trying to be Ahlam Bolooki.”

Bolooki’s journey to leadership in the literary world was unconventional as she came from a background in hospitality and marketing rather than literature. “There are people who are much more literary than I am... I think in the beginning, that was quite intimidating for me.” But she quickly realized that her role was not to be the most well-read person in the room; it was to lead. “It’s my job to run a nonprofit organization... to build partnerships, identify gaps, start initiatives, and lead a team.”

One of Bolooki’s early leadership decisions was deeply personal: launching a nursery within the Foundation. “My first order of business as a CEO was to start a nursery,” she shared. “At the moment, it’s just my children, but there’s another pregnant person in the office who will be bringing their child very soon.”

“Having my babies close to me has given me such a drive to leave a better world for them. If I'm spending time working away from them, I'm going to make sure that it's for something good. I'm going to make sure that my time is used towards something impactful, something that they're going to be proud of,” she said. Bolooki called for urgent change in workplace policies to make them more women-friendly.

Reflecting on the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, now in its 17th year, Bolooki highlighted its impact. “For me, writers are the best people on the planet. And I hope I never need to work in a job that doesn’t include them.”

Presenting partner of the event is Tristar, Support Partner is Veloche, Venue Partner is InterContinental Festival City, Fragrance Partner is Miss Armaf, Gifting Partners are Lush, Ahmad Tea and Chocodate, Flower Partner is Arpan Flowers, AV Partner of the event is AV Lords, and Trophy Partner is Crystal Gallery.