Nayla Al Khaja
- Producer
- Director
- Writer
Nayla Al Khaja is the first female Film Director in the United Arab Emirates.
She skillfully blends horror and beauty in her films, creating a delicate equilibrium between the terrifying and the visually mesmerizing. This duality is a hallmark of her directorial style, allowing audiences to experience a range of emotions.
Her work often feature distinct set designs and a rich, moody color palette that contributes to the overall eerie and atmospheric tones of her films. Whether exploring social stigmas or personal transformation, her visual storytelling is layered with meaning and nuance.
She successfully wrapped up her debut feature film, "Three," which is scheduled for theatrical release on February 1, 2024 across the Gulf and major MENA territories.
She has two films streaming on Netflix, The Shadow and Animal.
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.
Her upcoming project, "BAAB," is a fantasy realism horror slated for shooting in 2024, with the acclaimed two times Oscar winner AR Rahman set to compose the musical score for the film.
She has been a top-tier speaker at the London Speakers Bureau, constantly advocating for women's voices and presence in the film world.
Nayla has also directed TV commercials for prestigious brands like Mercedes, Nike, Nestlé, Neutrogena, Nivea, and worked with high-profile clients such as Annie Leibovitz and Roger Federer. Additionally, she was appointed as the Behind-The-Scenes Director for the mega-budget film Star Trek 3 by the Dubai Government. With over two decades of running a Production company, Nayla possesses a comprehensive 360-degree perspective, understanding the creative and fiscal aspects crucial for successful productions. Her knowledge of four international languages provides her with a unique advantage when facilitating complex and sensitive projects both regionally and globally.
Nayla Al Khaja became representative, brand ambassador & endorser of companies through partnerships and promotions such as Apple, Samsung, Oppo, Honor, Du Telecommunication, Porsche, Infiniti, Benq, LG, Canon, Gucci, Chopard, Damas Jewelry, Estée Lauder, Tag Hueur, Kare, Emirates NBD and Emirates Airline.
Nayla Al Khaja is Managed by Sarah Arnott at Zero Gravity Management where she is attached to two commissioned projects.
Nayla's most recent accolades and awards include:
She skillfully blends horror and beauty in her films, creating a delicate equilibrium between the terrifying and the visually mesmerizing. This duality is a hallmark of her directorial style, allowing audiences to experience a range of emotions.
Her work often feature distinct set designs and a rich, moody color palette that contributes to the overall eerie and atmospheric tones of her films. Whether exploring social stigmas or personal transformation, her visual storytelling is layered with meaning and nuance.
She successfully wrapped up her debut feature film, "Three," which is scheduled for theatrical release on February 1, 2024 across the Gulf and major MENA territories.
She has two films streaming on Netflix, The Shadow and Animal.
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.
Her upcoming project, "BAAB," is a fantasy realism horror slated for shooting in 2024, with the acclaimed two times Oscar winner AR Rahman set to compose the musical score for the film.
She has been a top-tier speaker at the London Speakers Bureau, constantly advocating for women's voices and presence in the film world.
Nayla has also directed TV commercials for prestigious brands like Mercedes, Nike, Nestlé, Neutrogena, Nivea, and worked with high-profile clients such as Annie Leibovitz and Roger Federer. Additionally, she was appointed as the Behind-The-Scenes Director for the mega-budget film Star Trek 3 by the Dubai Government. With over two decades of running a Production company, Nayla possesses a comprehensive 360-degree perspective, understanding the creative and fiscal aspects crucial for successful productions. Her knowledge of four international languages provides her with a unique advantage when facilitating complex and sensitive projects both regionally and globally.
Nayla Al Khaja became representative, brand ambassador & endorser of companies through partnerships and promotions such as Apple, Samsung, Oppo, Honor, Du Telecommunication, Porsche, Infiniti, Benq, LG, Canon, Gucci, Chopard, Damas Jewelry, Estée Lauder, Tag Hueur, Kare, Emirates NBD and Emirates Airline.
Nayla Al Khaja is Managed by Sarah Arnott at Zero Gravity Management where she is attached to two commissioned projects.
Nayla's most recent accolades and awards include:
- Top 50 most powerful personalities in Arab Cinema by Variety
- Top 100 most powerful Arabs under 40 by Arabian Business
- Visionary of the Year Award at the Arabian Business Awards
- Businesswoman of the Year - Gulf Business Awards 2020
- Black Swan Award for Women Empowerment - Asia One 2019
- Top four Emirati women listed in Forbes - September 2019