Each week, our colleague Maria Franzoni invites one of our keynote speakers to discuss their life, work, current projects and passions. We hope that hearing more about them will allow you to get a better understanding of who they are.

Maria’s guest is the first female film Director/Producer in the United Arab Emirates. She has written and directed both for film and television.

As a working professional, her accolades include being ranked among the Top 50 most powerful personalities in Arab Cinema, and 100 most powerful Arabs under 40 by Arabian Business Magazine. She’s been awarded the Visionary of the Year Award at the Arabian Business Awards and has been Brand Ambassador for Canon Middle East since 2011. She was recently received the Black Swan Award for Women Empowerment – Asia One 2019, and Businesswoman of the Year Award – in the Gulf Business Awards 2020.

Please welcome Nayla Al Khaja

keynote speaker nayla al khaja

Nayla Al Khaja – Guest

Nayla Al Khaja is the first female film Director/Producer in the United Arab Emirates and is CEO of Nayla Al Khaja Films (previously D-Seven Motion Pictures). In 2007 Nayla also founded The Scene Club, Dubai’s first film club, which now counts over 22,000 registered members. She has written and directed several films, all presented and awarded in international film festivals. She is currently developing her first feature film, Animal.

Maria Franzoni Keynote Speaker

Maria Franzoni – Host

Maria Franzoni is one of the most experienced speaker bookers in Europe and a recognised speaking industry expert. She has been a part of the London Speaker Bureau since 2000 & is the founder of MFL, a licensed office of London Speaker Bureau.

Are you interested in booking any of our speakers featured on our podcasts, for either a virtual or live event?