Nayla Al Khaja's Unique Iftar: A Personal Insight

Mar 9, 2026

76 min

Mar 9, 2026 11:31

Inside Emirati director Nayla Al Khaja's unique iftar at her Dubai home: 'I’ve always lived life on my own terms'

## A Simple Yet Meaningful Iftar

Emirati filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja recently hosted a unique iftar at her Dubai home, offering a glimpse into her personal life and culinary preferences. Known for her bold approach in the film industry, Nayla's iftar was refreshingly simple, featuring dates, homemade maamoul biscuits, and her favorite aglio e olio pasta.

## A Multicultural Family

Nayla's family reflects a blend of cultures, with her Swiss husband and young twins. This diversity is mirrored in her choice of iftar dishes, which combine traditional and international flavors.

## A Trailblazer in Emirati Cinema

Nayla has made significant strides in the film industry, becoming the first Emirati filmmaker to have her works streamed globally on platforms like Netflix. Her films, such as "Animal" and "The Shadow," have reached international audiences, and her debut feature "Three" premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival.

## Balancing Ambition and Humility

Despite her success, Nayla remains grounded, balancing her ambitious career with personal time. She aims to empower local storytellers through her studio, focusing on genre films with global appeal.

## Ramadan Reflections

For Nayla, Ramadan is a time for spiritual and personal reflection. She values the opportunity to pause and consider life's broader meaning, emphasizing family connections and personal growth.

## Embracing Challenges

Nayla is not afraid to take risks or face challenges in her career. She continues to push boundaries in the evolving Emirati film industry, driven by her passion for storytelling and her commitment to living life on her own terms.

Read the full story at the source

What you need to know to get Emirates ID?

Leave your details and get a guide as a gift to avoid mistakes

Article contents