Dubai continues to push boundaries in gender balance and workplace inclusion, setting new benchmarks for leadership and innovation. At The Future Women Leaders Forum 2025 in Dubai, Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, emphasized the UAE’s progress in empowering women.
For the past two years, Bolooki has led one of the region’s most respected literary organizations. She acknowledged the challenge of succeeding Isobel Abulhoul, the foundation’s founding director. “She left a remarkable legacy. I am not trying to be her—I am trying to be Ahlam Bolooki,” she stated.
Bolooki’s path to leadership was not conventional. She came from a background in hospitality and marketing rather than literature. “Many people are far more literary than I am. At first, that intimidated me,” she admitted. However, she soon realized her role was not about being the most well-read. Instead, it was about leadership. “My job is to run a nonprofit, build partnerships, and lead a team.”
One of her first major decisions was deeply personal. She introduced a nursery within the foundation. “My first order of business as CEO was to start a nursery,” she revealed. “Right now, it’s just my children, but another colleague will bring their child soon.”
Bolooki stressed that gender balance and workplace inclusion require urgent action. She urged businesses to adopt women-friendly policies. “If I am spending time away from my children, I want it to be for something meaningful,” she said.
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, now in its 17th year, remains a key part of her vision. “For me, writers are the best people on the planet. I hope to always work in a field that includes them,” she said.
The event was supported by several partners, including Tristar, Veloche, and InterContinental Festival City. Other contributors included Miss Armaf, Lush, Ahmad Tea, Chocodate, and Arpan Flowers. AV Lords provided technical support, while Crystal Gallery supplied the event’s trophies.
Through initiatives like these, Dubai continues to lead in gender balance and workplace inclusion, proving that progress is possible when leadership embraces change.
