Nayla Al Khaja is a name that carries weight, not just in the UAE but around the world. As the first female film director and producer in the UAE, she has paved a bold path in an industry where women like her were once invisible. Today, she’s not only making movies, she’s rewriting the script for what’s possible.
Early Days: Art, Courage, and Breaking Traditions
Born and raised in Dubai, Nayla had a passion for creativity from a young age. What started as a love for art and storytelling slowly transformed into a serious ambition to create films that matter. But for a young Emirati woman dreaming of filmmaking, the road wasn’t easy. Cultural expectations, lack of infrastructure, and limited representation made the idea feel almost impossible.
Still, she followed her dream, studying communication in the UAE before heading to Canada to study film. It was a bold move that would eventually shape her voice and career. Leaving home for a field so unfamiliar was more than a professional leap, it was a personal rebellion, a promise to herself that she would be heard.
Starting Small: Short Films with Big Messages
After returning home, Nayla launched her own production company. She began making short films that spoke volumes, addressing social issues, inner conflict, and personal freedom. These early works made people uncomfortable, but they also made them think.
Her short films like The Neighbor, Malal, and Animal weren’t just artistic statements, they were windows into the lives and emotions of people rarely seen on screen. With every project, Nayla pushed boundaries, shining light on untold stories in Emirati society.
Netflix Spotlight: Two Films Picked Up Worldwide
Nayla’s hard work eventually caught global attention. Netflix picked up two of her films for international release, a groundbreaking moment for any Arab filmmaker, let alone a woman from the Gulf region. The moment was surreal, but also proof that storytelling can cross borders when it’s authentic and heartfelt.
The global platform allowed her work to be seen by millions, earning praise and opening doors for Arab filmmakers, especially women. For Nayla, it wasn’t just about the spotlight, it was about representation and what it could mean for the next generation.
Feature Film Debut: Three
In 2024, Nayla’s first full-length feature film Three hit theaters across the Gulf and the MENA region. A psychological horror inspired by true events, the film follows a British doctor who travels to the UAE seeking answers for his son’s disturbing visions. What unfolds is a tense, emotional journey wrapped in the supernatural, all grounded in Emirati culture and setting.
Three was a bold choice. It fused Western storytelling with local myths, reflecting Nayla’s unique filmmaking style: raw, gripping, and deeply personal.
What the Hustle Really Looks Like
Behind every success story are untold struggles, and Nayla doesn’t hide hers. She often shares the reality of her work, long hours, endless travel, creative burnout, and moments of doubt. Whether filming in extreme conditions or dealing with tight budgets, Nayla has worn many hats: director, producer, writer, and mentor.
She speaks honestly about the hustle, not the glamorous version, but the one filled with chaos, grit, and small victories. Through her honesty, she has become a relatable role model, reminding aspiring creatives that the journey is messy but worth it.
Big Dreams: Upcoming Film with A R Rahman
Nayla’s next big project is already creating buzz, a fantasy horror film titled Baab, shot in Ras Al Khaimah and set to release in 2025. The film’s music is being composed by none other than Oscar-winner A R Rahman, making it one of the most exciting collaborations in regional cinema.
The film dives into themes of the supernatural and self-discovery, with a visual style unlike anything seen before in the Arab world. It’s a leap into arthouse cinema and another brave step in Nayla’s journey to push the limits of storytelling.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Nayla has collected numerous awards and honors. She’s been listed among the most powerful Arabs in cinema, named Businesswoman of the Year, and celebrated as a trailblazer for women in film. Her achievements are not just professional, they’re deeply personal. Each award is a symbol of her fight to be seen, heard, and respected in a male-dominated field.
She has also been a keynote speaker at major events, a guest on global panels, and a mentor to young filmmakers. Her voice carries weight not just because of her films, but because of the fearless truth she brings to every room she enters.
A Role Model Who Shares It All
What makes Nayla truly inspiring is how open she is about her life. On social media, she shares snippets of her daily grind, script rewrites, location scouting, festival red carpets, and family moments. She talks about the balance between motherhood and moviemaking, and how the two often overlap in unexpected ways.
Her Instagram is filled with raw, real content. It’s not about filters and perfection, it’s about process, passion, and persistence. That honesty is exactly what makes her story so powerful.
Living a Life of Purpose
Today, Nayla continues to live a life defined by passion and purpose. Whether she’s developing new scripts, mentoring young talent, or raising her twins, she carries herself with clarity and commitment. She is a woman driven by storytelling, and not just the kind that wins awards, but the kind that shifts culture.
She believes in showing, not just telling. That’s why she documents the messy middle, the behind-the-scenes work that few see but all admire when the final product hits the screen.
Why Her Story Matters
Nayla Al Khaja’s journey is bigger than her filmography. It’s a lesson in courage, creativity, and carving your own path. She didn’t wait for permission to tell her story, she just started telling it. And in doing so, she opened the door for countless others.
Her life is a testament to the power of hustle, heart, and hard work. She’s not just making films. She’s making history. And the world is watching.
Do follow her on Instagram
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