Nayla Al Khaja
Nayla Al Khaja in 2015
Born (1978-03-07) 7 March 1978
Dubai
NationalityEmirati
Occupation(s)Director, producer
Spouse
Christian Peter
​
(m. 2016)​
Relatives
  • Dana Peter (Daughter)
  • Noah Peter (Son)

Nāyla Al Khāja (Arabic: نايلة الخاجة‎), born 7 March 1978, has become a notable figure in the film industry of the United Arab Emirates .[1][2] Recognized for breaking barriers and establishing new standards, she holds the distinction of being the first female screenwriter, director, and producer in the UAE.

Early Journey and Recognition

Nayla's filmmaking journey began in 1996 with her debut film, "Sweet 16." In 2006, her film "Arabana" premiered at the Dubai International Film Festival, where she was honored as the Best Emirati Filmmaker[3]. This recognition paved the way for a series of notable short films, including Once (2009), Malal (2010), and The Neighbor (2013).

Global Recognition and Netflix Acquisition

Nayla's cinematic works, Animal and The Shadow'[4][5] achieved international recognition when Netflix acquired their rights in March 2021. This accomplishment marked a significant milestone in her career and expanded her reach to a global audience.

Venture into Series Production

In April 2021, media outlets reported Nayla's entry into series production. The anthology "The Alexandria Killings," created by her, will be directed by Oscar-winning Director Terry George, with Nayla serving as the Executive Producer and set to direct multiple episodes[6].

Debut Feature Film: "THREE"

In 2023, Nayla celebrated the debut of her feature film, "Three", at the 3rd edition of The Red Sea International Film Festival[7]. This horror-thriller explores themes of grief, familial bonds, and cross-cultural beliefs. Vox distribution has slated its cinematic release in the MENA region on February 1, 2024[8].

Future Projects

Nayla Al Khaja is currently developing her second Fantasy-Realism Horror feature film "BAAB" with the acclaimed two times Oscar winner AR Rahman[9] set to compose the musical score for the film. Expected to start filming in mid 2024.

Entrepreneur

As the CEO of Al Khaja Films (formerly D-Seven Motion Pictures) since 2005, Nayla has played a significant role in local film production. Her company has produced commercial films for various international brands, highlighting her versatility and business acumen.

Founder of The Scene Club

In 2007, Nayla founded The Scene Club, the UAE's first film club[10]. With a membership of over 22,000, The Scene Club has served as a cultural hub, bringing independent and award-winning films to audiences in the UAE[11][12].

Cultural Consultant and Motivational Speaker

Beyond filmmaking, Nayla has expanded her influence as a cultural consultant, contributing to projects across the Gulf. Proficient in five languages, she serves as a registered speaker at the London Speaker Bureau, utilizing her voice to share insights on cinema, entrepreneurship, culture, youth motivation, and women's empowerment.

Speaking Engagements

  1. Insight Dubai Conference, March 2008, Dubai
  2. GEL Conference 2008, April 24-25,2008, New York City, USA
  3. Speaking Engagement for Rotary Club, November 24, 2008, Dubai, UAE
  4. Laila Emaratya: A Night of Emirati Short Films, November 26, 2008, Dubai, UAE
  5. Judge for Red Bull “Art of Can 2008”, December 4, 2008, Dubai, UAE
  6. WOIBEX Global Women Leaders Summit 2009, March 8, 2009, Dubai, UAE
  7. Speaker at Breakfast meeting with American Women's Association of Dubai, April 14, 2009, Dubai, UAE
  8. Speaker at Bahrain Economic Development Board, May 7, 2009, Bahrain
  9. The Circle Conference 2009, October 9-11, 2009, Abu Dhabi, UAE
  10. Keynote Speaker for the Education and Career Forum at Najah, 21 Oct 2009, Abu Dhabi, UAE
  11. Jury for DIFF Painting Competition 2009, November 11, 2009, Dubai, UAE
  12. Speaker at Emirates Women Award 2009, Nov 17, 2009, Dubai, UAE
  13. Jury for SYC Photo Competition (Noor Islamic Bank), February 2010, Dubai, UAE
  14. Speaker at Abu Dhabi Women's College, February 23, 2010, Abu Dhabi, UAE
  15. Speaker at Women’s Leadership and Technology Conference in Sharjah, February 27, 2010, Sharjah, UAE
  16. Speaking Engagement for American University in Dubai, March 9, 2010, Dubai, UAE
  17. Speaking engagement for Int'l Women's Day Al Mirzah American Academy for Girls, Mar 17, 2010
  18. Guest of Honor Arab Woman Cinema Day at UAE University, May 24, 2010
  19. Ribbon Cutting at Holiday Inn Dubai- Barsha for Al Aarab Restaurant, June 16, 2010, Dubai, UAE
  20. Judge for Drama Series Category for the International Emmy Awards, June 28, 2010, Abu Dhabi, UAE
  21. Speaker for Heels and Deals Re: Female Emirati Entrepreneurs, Sept 27, 2010, Dubai, UAE
  22. Speaker at Turner Classic Movies (TCM) 10th Anniversary Event, October 4, 2010, Dubai, UAE
  23. Speaker at S.T Dupont Liberte Launch, November 3, 2010, Dubai, UAE
  24. Jury for Green Dubai, Clean Dubai - Drawing Competition, January 14, 2011, Dubai, UAE
  25. Speaker at BoldTalks 2011, February 12, 2011, Dubai, UAE
  26. Speaker at Dubai Media City’s The Thought Incubator: A sleeping giant called FILM, February 28, 2011, Dubai, UAE
  27. Speaker at GeekFest 2011, March 3, 2011, Abu Dhabi, UAE
  28. Interview at Decision Makers TV, March 10, 2011, Dubai, UAE
  29. Interview for Abu Dhabi TV's Music and Cinema Show "Cinemazzika", 18 March 2011
  30. Jury for Philadelphia “Spread Some Inspiration' Campaign, Jan to April 2011

Other notable work

Nayla has directed numerous TV commercials for international brands, including Mercedes, Nike, Nestlé, Neutrogena, and Nivea, among others, along with notable clients like Annie Leibovitz and Roger Federer. Additionally, she served as the Behind-The-Scenes Director on the mega-budget film Star Trek 3, appointed by the Dubai Government.

Academic Background and Personal Life

A graduate of Ryerson University in Toronto, Nayla holds a bachelor’s degree in Film Studies[13]. Currently residing in Dubai, she is married to a Swiss National and is the proud mother of two children.

Brand Ambassadorship and Endorsements

Nayla Al Khaja became the representative, brand ambassador & endorser of companies through partnerships and promotions such as Apple, Samsung, Oppo[14], Honor[15], Du Telecommunication, Porsche, Infiniti, Benq, LG with Megan Fox, Canon, Gucci, Chopard[16], Damas Jewelry, Estée Lauder, Tag Heuer, Kare, Philadelphia Cheese, Redbull, Emirates NBD and Emirates Airline.

Filmography & Awards

Nayla Al Khaja Filmography from early career till present.
TitleYearNayla Al Khaja CreditMain CastGenreProject TypeAward(s)
Sweet Sixteen1996Writer & Director---ComedyShort
3adi.com1998Director---DocumentaryShort
The Will2003Producer---DocumentaryShort
The Loss2005ProducerShawn Reynolds, Shannon Paterson, Mackenzie MuldoonDramaShort
Unveiling Dubai2005Producer & DirectorNayla Al Khaja, Nicolas DoldingerDocumentaryShort
Arabana2006Writer & DirectorNayla Al Khaja, Feriyal EntezariDramaShort"Best Female Filmmaker" Dubai International Film Festival, 2007
Once2009Writer & DirectorNifin G. Al Din, Bassim Sami Al Khalif, Hammad B. Al KhalifDramaShort
Malal2010Writer & DirectorNayla Al Khaja, Hormuz Mehta, Ghassan Al KhateriDrama, RomanceShort"Production of the Year Award" Digital Studio Award, 2011 - "1st Prize, Muhr Emirati Category" Dubai International Film Festival, 2010 - "Best Script Award" Gulf International Film Festival, 2010 - "1st Prize, International Young Screen Entrepreneur" British Council, 2010 - "1st Prize, Emirati Short Film Script Competition", Gulf Film Festival, 2010
Hi2012Writer & DirectorMona Al Assa’d, Sheree FramroseDramaShort
Three2013Writer & DirectorAya Al Ansari, Fatima Al Shroqi, Katrina BernardoHorrorShort"Hazawi Fund for Short Film" Doha Film Institute (DFI), 2013
The Neighbor2013Writer & DirectorCrystal BatesDramaShort"Best Short Film" Middle East Now Festival, 2015 - "Muhr Emirate - Special Jury Award" Dubai International Film Festival, 2015 - "Best Emirati Film" Abu Dhabi Film Festival, 2013
Animal2016Writer & DirectorMohammed Ahmed, Venetia Tiarks, Donya Asi, Abhijit BaruahDramaShort (Pilot for feature project)"Best women's issue short" Madrid Arthouse Film Festival, 2022 - "Best Short Cinematography" Arthouse Festival of Beverly Hills, 2021 - “Jury Award - Narrative Film” Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, 2018 - "Jury Special Prize - Best Short Fiction" Italian Movie Award, 2017
The Shadow2019Writer & DirectorSara Al Aqeeli, Mohannad Huthail, Miran Yazi, Mona Ragab, Abdulrahman Ahmed, Abdulrazzaq Al Khaja, Rashid Mohammed, Mohammed MahfoudDrama, HorrorShort (Pilot for feature project)"Best Cinematography In Short" Dubai Independent Film Festival, 2022 - "Best Horror Short" Arthouse Festival of Beverly Hills, 2021 - "Best Fantasy / Horror Short" WorldFest Houston, 2020 - "Best United Arab Emirates talent" Al Ain Film Festival, 2020
The Road to Fulfilment2022DirectorNoora Al Balooshi, Phil Dunn, Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al QasimiDocumentaryShort"Documentaries and Reports: Environment, Ecology and Sustainability - Silver Dolphin Award" Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards, 2023
THREE2023Writer & DirectorJefferson Hall, Faten Ahmed, Noura Alabed, Saud Alzarooni, Mohannad Huthail, Abdulrazzaq Al Khaja, Mari Al-Halyan, Abdullrahim AlmujainiDrama, Thriller, HorrorFeature Film"World Premiere" The Red Sea film festival, December 5 & 7, 2023 -

Accolades & Appearances (summary)

  • WIFTMENA Excellency in Cinema Honorary Award, Women in Film and TV take the spotlight at the 6th META Cinema Forum, 2023[17]
  • 14 Successful Emirati Women Who Continue to Help Build the UAE, Vogue Middle East, August 2023[18]
  • Breaking This Bias - Women Leaders Summit & Awards 2023[19]
  • Businesswoman of the Year - Gulf Business Awards 2020[20]
  • "Top four Emirati women listed in Forbes", September 2019[21][22]
  • "Black Swan Award for Women Empowerment", Asia One, 2019
  • "Most Admired Leaders of Asia 2018 - Process Evaluators & Research", BARC Asia & Jury Panel, 2018[23]
  • "First Emirati ever to be awarded a seat at the prestigious Producers Network at the Cannes Film Festival", for the feature script Animal, 2018[24]
  • Diff 2017: IWC Filmmaker Award shortlist - Nayla Al Khaja, Haifa Al Mansour, Mohammad Rashid Buali and Muzna Al Musafer, 2017[25]
  • "Entrepreneur of the Year", Gulf Business Awards, September 2017[26]
  • "100 most powerful Arabs under 40, #48", Arabian Business Power List, 2015[27]
  • "Top Female Entrepreneur in The Middle East", August 2013
  • Recognized as "500 Most Powerful Arab People", 2012[28]
  • "Top 50 Most Powerful Arab Women" Arabian Business, 2012[29]
  • Juried with Frieda Pinto in Dubai International Film Festival, 2011[30]
  • "Visionary of the Year", Arabian Business Awards, 2011[31]
  • Juried at Topic Fest with Nadine Labaki, The largest short film festival, 2011[32]
  • Member of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, Melbourne International Film Festival, 2010[33]
  • UAE Representative (Filmmaker Category), US Dept. of State, International Visitors Leadership Program, 2010[34]
  • Jury member at the Middle East International Film Festival, 2009[35]
  • Cultural guide and co-host on Paris Hilton’s “My BFF”
  • "Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year", Middle East Businesswomen and Leaders Achievement Awards, 2007[36]
  • "Inspirational Leadership Award", Lloyds TSB Bank, 2006[37]
  • "Emirates Woman of the Year", Emirates Woman Magazine, 2005[38]
  • "Local Artist of the Year", Emirates Woman Magazine, 2005[39]
  • First woman the direct TV Commercial, 2005[40]
  • "The Youngest Entrepreneur", Global Businesswomen and Leaders’ Summit Awards, 2005
  • Top 50 most powerful personalities in Arab Cinema[41]

References

  1. ↑ "A R Rahman: A sound in the making".
  2. ↑ "The UAE's First Female Film Director: How Nayla Al Khaja Is Breaking Into Hollywood As An Emirati Woman".
  3. ↑ https://www.dohafilminstitute.com/blog/people-in-film-nayla-al-khaja
  4. ↑ https://www.arabnews.com/node/2194176/spa/page_view_event/aggregate
  5. ↑ "Netflix releases two films by Emirati filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja".
  6. ↑ https://www.abouther.com/node/38121/people/leading-ladies/emirati-filmmaker-nayla-al-khaja-begin-international-journey-‘
  7. ↑ https://redseafilmfest.com/en/rsiff_film/three/
  8. ↑ https://www.screendaily.com/news/uae-thriller-three-lands-middle-east-distribution-ahead-of-red-sea-premiere-exclusive/5188434.article
  9. ↑ https://variety.com/2022/film/global/ar-rahman-nayla-al-khaja-baab-1235263860/
  10. ↑ https://www.digitalstudiome.com/broadcast/delivery-transmission/article-7662-profile-the-scene-club
  11. ↑ https://www.lux-mag.com/nayla-al-khaja-filmaker/
  12. ↑ https://www.emaratalyoum.com/life/cinema/2017-11-19-1.1045373
  13. ↑ https://www.torontomu.ca/the-creative-school/news-events/news/2021/09/film-alumna-smashes-barriers-as-first-female-film-director-in-the-united-arab-emirates/
  14. ↑ https://lofficielarabia.com/format/InConversationwithOPPOBrandAmbassadorandtheUAEsFirstFemaleFilmWriterDirectorandProducerNaylaAlKhaja.php?id=4006&table_name=master_table
  15. ↑ https://reviewcentralme.com/2022/06/02/honor-teams-emirati-filmmaker-nayla-al-khaja/
  16. ↑ https://www.arabianmoda.com/2022/08/Nayla-Al-Khaja.html
  17. ↑ https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/events-and-conferences/women-in-film-and-tv-take-the-spotlight-at-the-6th-meta-cinema-forum-feoxthi9
  18. ↑ https://en.vogue.me/culture/successful-emirati-women/
  19. ↑ https://menawomenleaders.com/women-leadership-awards/
  20. ↑ https://gulfbusiness.com/revealed-winners-at-the-2020-gulf-business-awards/
  21. ↑ https://emirateswoman.com/emirati-women-forbes-women-behind-middle-eastern-brands/
  22. ↑ https://scoopempire.com/meet-the-emirati-women-on-forbes-women-behind-middle-eastern-brands-list/
  23. ↑ http://www.barc.asia/most-admired-leaders.html
  24. ↑ https://www.broadcastprome.com/news/nayla-al-khajas-film-accredited-for-cannes-producers-network/
  25. ↑ https://gulfnews.com/going-out/diff-2017-iwc-filmmaker-award-shortlist-revealed-1.2115538
  26. ↑ https://gulfbusiness.com/revealed-winners-gulf-business-awards-2017/
  27. ↑ https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gallery/inpics-100-most-powerful-arabs-under-40-589600
  28. ↑ https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/revealed-100-most-powerful-arab-women-2012-448409
  29. ↑ https://www.arabianbusiness.com/list/100-most-powerful-arab-women-2012-448295-html
  30. ↑ https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/frieda-pinto-on-diff-jury-duty-1.1114584
  31. ↑ https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/dubai-police-chief-takes-top-honour-at-awards-night-430776
  32. ↑ https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/short-and-sweet-1.894014
  33. ↑ https://www.emirates247.com/eb247/the-business-of-life/entertainment/uae-markets-emirati-cinema-down-under-2010-07-20-1.268617
  34. ↑ https://myemail.constantcontact.com/June-Citizen-Diplomacy-News.html?soid=1102154923730&aid=DS43kcDhf84
  35. ↑ https://en.mehrnews.com/news/36239/Kiarostami-to-preside-over-Middle-East-festival-jury
  36. ↑ https://globalwomanmagazine.com/meet-the-top-100-mentors/
  37. ↑ https://gulfnews.com/business/markets/flair-for-business-flourishing-in-dubai-1.156967
  38. ↑ https://www.arabnews.com/node/283084
  39. ↑ https://www.arabnews.com/node/283084
  40. ↑ https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/another-day-another-first-1.302699
  41. ↑ https://www.arabianbusiness.com/lists/459731-ceo-women-of-influence-2021-nayla-al-khaja
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