Aisha Khalaf Al-Kaabi is an Emirati short-story writer and literary figure. She published her earliest works—short stories—in the pages of *Al-Khaleej* newspaper while still pursuing her scientific studies at UAE University during the 1990s. Although her specialization in microbiology and her time living in the United States kept her away from her passion for a considerable period, she eventually returned—holding a master’s degree—to find a home for her writing in local and regional cultural sections. She ramped up the publication of her short stories between 2004 and 2007, the year she decided to publish her debut collection, *Ghurfat al-Qiyas* (The Fitting Room), released by the Sharjah Department of Culture. Aisha did not limit herself to fiction; she also established herself as a virtually unrivaled Emirati translator, undertaking the literary translation of works by major figures such as Chekhov, Tagore, and Calvino, as well as Truman Capote and Charles Bukowski.
In 2007, Al-Kaabi also took on the task of translating international women's poetry. The cultural supplement of *Al-Khaleej* newspaper exclusively published this series—titled "Rabbat al-Shi'r" (Muses of Poetry)—which featured translations of poetry by women from around the world. She was the only Emirati translator to have her work published on prominent literary websites—such as the pioneering *Jihat Al-Shi'r* (Poetry Front), managed by the renowned Bahraini poet Qassim Haddad—where she published her poetry translations during 2007 and 2008.
Aisha soon began publishing her own original poems, revealing another facet of her identity as a poet; drawn to the haiku form, she published her poetic work in *Al-Ittihad* newspaper and on the *Diwan Al-Arab* website between 2009 and 2010. She also returned to narrative writing in 2009, publishing "very short stories" in *Al-Ittihad*; she became the first Emirati woman to release a collection of very short stories in 2011, a work that won first place in the Emirati Women's Award for Literature that same year.
All of this coincided with her founding of "Iqra'ni" (Read to Me) Publishing and Distribution in November 2011, making her the second Emirati woman—after Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi—to enter the publishing field. From its inception, Iqra'ni focused on both Arabic and translated literature. However, Aisha’s journey in the publishing world was brief; the publishing house officially ceased operations in 2016, a period marked by her work with the United Nations and her frequent travel.
Her published works include:
- *Ghurfat al-Qiyas* (The Fitting Room)
The first edition was published by the Department of Culture in 2007; Aisha later reissued it in 2012 through Iqra'ni Publishing.
- *La 'Aza' li-Qitat al-Buyut* (No Condolences for House Cats)
The first edition was published in 2011 by the Jordanian publishing house Azminah, and the second edition in 2020 by the Egyptian publishing house Madbouli. - *How the First Letter Was Written*
Published in 2011 by Azminah Publishing (Jordan)
- *Muses of Poetry*
Published in 2012 by Iqra’ni Publishing
- *The World Tells a Story*
Published in 2012 by Iqra’ni Publishing and Distribution; re-released in 2020 by Madbouli Library (Egypt)
- *Our Single Face*
Published in 2014 by Iqra’ni Publishing
- *Gluten-Free Texts* (Poetic texts about Ali and autism)
Published in 2019 by Madarek Publishing
- *I Do Not Buy Second-Hand Joy* (Poetry collection)
Published in 2024 by Al-Ain Publishing (Cairo)
- *How Can an Empty Heart Be So Heavy?!* (Translated excerpts of contemporary world poetry)
Published in 2024 by Khotout wa Zilal Publishing (Amman)
- Village Teachings – A Poetry Collection (Dar Al-Ain) 2026
Her career path has spanned various roles: Assistant Professor at the College of Science (UAE University); Assistant Secretary-General of the UAE National Commission for UNESCO; and First Secretary at the UAE Embassy in Paris, serving as Deputy Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. She later dedicated time to media work before returning to administration as Director of the Discovery Center at Khalifa University, followed by a role as Director of Governance, Women’s Empowerment, and Youth Programs at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Abu Dhabi.
She has also worked as a broadcast presenter, anchoring the *Uloom Al Dar* news program on Abu Dhabi TV and *Akhbar Al Emarat* on Dubai TV. She is currently a presenter on Baynounah TV.
Aisha is also a visual artist who has participated in numerous group exhibitions both within the UAE and abroad. She launched her first solo exhibition, "Art Through Back Doors," at the Abu Dhabi Art Hub, coinciding with the UAE’s 43rd National Day celebrations. The exhibition garnered significant attention from critics and the media, drawing unprecedented public attendance.
Aisha conducts creative writing workshops for children in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Education Council and partners on cultural and artistic projects with institutions such as Zayed Library, the Cultural Foundation, United Arab Emirates University, and the Sharjah Book Authority.
