Ahlam Bolooki is the new CEO of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

 

Ahlam Bolooki has been appointed as the new chief executive officer (CEO) of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the largest celebration of the written and spoken word in the Middle East region.

On Wednesday, the Emirates Literature Foundation Board of Trustees said that Ahlam Bolooki would succeed Isobel Abulhoul, the founder and trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation. Isobel Abulhoul has served as the CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation.

Ahlam Bolooki is also the festival director and managing director of ELF Publishing. She would work as the CEO of the Emirates AirlineFestival of Literature along with her current roles.

Ahlam said, "The opportunity to learn from her (Isobel Abulhoul) over the past four years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.”

According to Ahlam, the annual literary festival is an important part of the cultural ecosystem of the UAE. The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is held annually in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of theUAE.

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature under the auspices of the Emirates Literature Foundation was first launched in 2009. Many authors from around the world travelled to Dubai for the event. The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature also expanded its children’s programme. The 15th edition of the event was held in February. The literary event honoured the winners of the Poetry for All Competition, which wassponsored by Emirates NBD. The event featured a separate category for Students of Determination. It also introduced the ‘Book in a Box’ competition, sponsored by Arcadia School.

Isobel Abulhoul said, “I am a voracious reader and enjoy all genres of books.” Isobel also lauded Ahlam’s capable hands. Isobel also said, “She (Ahlam) is young, she’s passionate and she has proven herself by spearheading new initiatives.”