Shabeena Zaidi has a background in functional nutrition and is an emotional intelligence trainer as well. She never imagined that she would become an author and podcast host too. Like many moms, she struggled with identity loss, emotional burnout, and the constant balancing act of motherhood and career. When her first child was born in 2015, she realized something crucial— mothers everywhere silently faced the same struggles, but no one was talking about them. She always had a passion for writing, but it was motherhood that led her to her first book, Revelations of a Millennial Mom. This book is an honest, deeply personal look at motherhood— the highs, the lows, and the unspoken truths. It delves into the highs and lows of raising children, the pressures of modern parenting, and the unspoken truths of womanhood —the evolving identity, the emotional rollercoaster, and the constant push and pull between love, exhaustion, and personal dreams. Writing this book was more than just telling her story—it was about starting a movement. It was about normalizing conversations around a woman’s struggles, career sacrifices, and self-care for moms. And now, with Moms’ Bookshelf Podcast, Shabeena is taking this conversation beyond the pages and into the ears of mothers worldwide.

Zeena Zalamea is a Dubai-based broadcaster, producer, and co-founder of global podcast agency Portal Productions. With 18 years in media, communications, and public speaking, she has led compelling conversations across radio, TV, podcasts, and international events. Whether interviewing thought leaders, global personalities, or celebrities, Zeena is known for creating meaningful connections and dynamic discussions. No matter the medium, she believes that what truly resonates is a powerful story well told.

Sadia Anwar is an entrepreneur, a children’s book author, a former lighting designer and an aspiring poet. She has a degree in Architecture and an MBA. She is passionate about exploring notions of identity and diversity in literature. Using the power of the written word to create positive impact bis the driving force behind her ventures. She is the founder of Uhibbook Publishing, an independent publishing house based in the UAE. She is also a self-published author and the founder of two children’s books brands: Bismillah Buddies and Storically.

Amandeep Ahuja is the author of The Frustrated Women’s Club, a book that captures the chaos, comedy, and catharsis of modern womanhood. A consultant by day and a storyteller by heart, she navigates the world of geopolitics while secretly plotting her next literary adventure. Her writing is fueled by strong coffee, deep conversations, and an insatiable curiosity about people—especially the ones who think they have life all figured out (spoiler: they don’t). When she’s not crafting stories, she’s probably lost in a new city, overanalysing text messages, or debating whether to start a PhD just for the fun of it.

Rawan has been a writer since the first school assignment that started with “Once upon a time.” After graduating, life got loud and the writing got quiet until she unexpectedly found her voice again on LinkedIn (I know, right?) For her, writing isn’t just expression; it’s self-discovery. She hasn’t published a book yet, but she’s got a lot to say, and the courage to say it is already half the manuscript.

Sadika Kebbi is an acclaimed writer and storyteller known for her evocative prose and insightful exploration of contemporary social issues. With a background in literature and cultural studies, her work spans essays, short stories, and investigative pieces that delve into themes of identity, resilience, and community empowerment. Sadika’s commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices has led her contributions to a variety of respected literary journals and digital platforms, earning her recognition as a thoughtful and engaging commentator on the human condition.

Sheeba Sultan Hasnain is a passionate writer and thought leader whose work reflects a deep commitment to sustainability, human empowerment, and social transformation. With a focus on women enablement and child education, her writing bridges the worlds of personal growth and systemic change. Sheeba is the author of Thankfulness: The Art and Women Empowering Women, and co-author of Green PMO and The Evolution of the PMO, blending her expertise in leadership, AI and project management with a profound advocacy for meaningful impact. Her work explores themes of gratitude, resilience, and equity, earning her recognition as a compelling voice for more inclusive and conscious world.

I started my career as an artist and a poet and have taught creative writing in organizations around the world and in Copenhagen and Dubai prisons. With an innate passion for words and fluency in six languages, I can't stop learning new ones and I love sharing the joy of word magic with my participants. Everyone has a writing voice to be discovered! I work as a global Communication Expert and in 2018, I collected my method in the book ‘The Right Kind of Loud - Finding Your Communication Voice’, bringing it to Emirates Literature Foundation and readers from all walks of life.

Sara Hamam is a lifelong lover of books and stories. She founded a book club to connect with others through reading—but quickly realized most books followed the same predictable formula. The same heroes. The same endings. And none of it felt like her. What started as a love for stories became a search for ones that actually reflected real women, real motherhood, and real life.