DUBAI, 10 April 2006 — Nayla Al-Khaja has been named the first Emirates Woman of the Year, the Dubai-based magazine announced following an award ceremony aboard the Bateaux Dubai yesterday. Nayla, the UAE’s first independent woman filmmaker, runs her own production company. She was presented with a glass trophy and other prizes.
“I was shocked to the point I was not prepared to accept the award,” said Nayla, 28. “I had no expectations. I feel that it is a huge honor and I am so surprised that so many people voted for me. I feel very loved.”
Nayla is currently working on her first Emirati feature film. Her first short film, “Unveiling Dubai,” debuted at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2004, and she has helped other aspiring filmmakers in the region by establishing the Film Guild.
The documentary focused on acclaimed German filmmaker Nicolas Doldingea’s first impressions of the Middle East as he is guided around Dubai’s many attractions by Nayla herself. “I have tried to capture the essence of Dubai for what it is and has developed into: A buzzing, modern cosmopolitan city very much in tune with the rest of the developed world,” says Nayla.
The film seeks to dispel preconceived Western notions about the Middle East being a gigantic desert region and Dubai as a small developing oasis. The film takes in some of the city’s best-known landmarks.
Nayla studied at Canada’s top filmmaking university, Ryerson, and was among seven outstanding nominees profiled in the Emirates Woman magazine — which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Other award nominees included: Emirati surgeon Dr. Houriya Kazim, Expatwoman.com founder Jane Drury, adventure specialist Julie Amer, lawyer Lara Haider, educator Aparna Verma and entrepreneur Negin Fettahi Dasmal.
Guest of honor Benazir Bhutto, the former Pakistan prime minister, joined 160 elite members of the community at the exclusive lunch to recognize the outstanding achievement of Emirati women.
The first Muslim woman ever to be elected, Benazir was also presented with the Emirates Woman International Woman of the Year Award for her inspirational accomplishments.