Keynote SpeakerNayla Al Khaja

Nayla Al Khaja is the first female film director in the United Arab Emirates and a top-tier speaker, consistently advocating for workplace enjoyment to increase productivity and support well-being. Nayla shares insights on various topics, drawing from her extraordinary real-life journey of overcoming barriers and showcasing how creativity can be a powerful problem-solving tool. With a knack for introducing enjoyable ideas to enhance workplace wellness and productivity, Nayla’s speaking style is infused with humor, leaving her audience both inspired and fully engaged.

Renowned for her versatility, she is often sought as a keynote speaker for empowerment themes or as the final speaker to add a touch of lightness after a series of presentations.

Nayla’s debut feature film, “THREE,” was released theatrically on February 1, 2024, across the Gulf and major MENA territories. Additionally, two of her films, “The Shadow” and “Animal,” are currently streaming on Netflix.

Her upcoming fantasy horror film, “BAAB,” just wrapped production in February 2025. Boasting a musical score by two-time Oscar winner A.R. Rahman and cinematography by Rogier Stoffers, ASC, the film is set for a theatrical release in late 2025.

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
• Entrepreneur of the Year during the Gulf Business Awards 2017