Page 39 - ECI PR REPORT - DECEMBER 2024
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Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation (ELF), and Founder, Kateb Maktub
“My vision for empowering UAE women stems from mentorship, skill development, and
networking. This inspired First Chapter, a global fellowship for UAE-based writers created with
Seddiqi Holding. Now in its fourth cycle, it has enabled authors to sign with agents and
publishers.”
Motherhood, Bolooki shares, has been her greatest teacher. “It taught me balance and
empathy,” she explains. This led ELF to introduce an in-house nursery, allowing working
mothers to thrive professionally while staying connected with their teams. “As a leader, I’ve
learned to empower my team with the resources, flexibility, and motivation to achieve shared
goals.”
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Beyond fostering community, Bolooki is transforming the digital sphere. Through Kateb Maktub,
she works with schools, universities, and volunteers to train youth in Arabic content creation,
ensuring Arab authors are well-represented online. “Such projects encourage young people to
take ownership of their narratives and contribute to the digital and cultural ecosystem,” she
says.
Bolooki believes emerging leaders must embrace a balance of innovation and humanity. “Digital
literacy, resilience, and a growth mindset are vital,” she says. But she also champions
https://gulfnews.com/gn-focus/eid-al-etihad-trailblazing-leaders-create-opportunities-and-
redefine-success-1.1733128981203