Emirates Woman award winners announced

Nayla, who runs her own production company, Dessart Productions, received her award after thousands of Emirates Woman readers voted to recognise her impressive achievements.

Since beginning her career five years ago, Nayla, 28, has quickly climbed the ladder of success. 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.

Nayla was among seven outstanding nominees profiled in the top-selling Emirates Woman magazine - which will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year.

"I was shocked to the point I was not prepared to accept the award,' Nayla said. "I had no expectations. I feel it's a huge honour and I am so surprised that so many people voted for me. I feel very loved."

Emirates Woman editor Faye Marchant said Nayla's tenacity and ambition ensured she was a worthy winner.

"Nayla Al Khaja was the ideal Emirates Woman of the Year Award winner so we've got a lot to thank our readers for," she said. "She is smart, ambitious and a woman of the world and couldn't be better placed as the winner."

"This was our first-ever Emirates Woman Awards and it went extremely well," Faye said. "With more than 160 VIP guests aboard the stunning Bateaux Dubai it was the perfect setting for a glamorous awards ceremony."

As the Emirates Woman of the Year, Nayla was presented with a stylish glass trophy, a year's dedicated Quintessentially membership worth Dhs16,000, a Dhs15,000 Glitter voucher and The Body book.

Gina Johnson, group senior editor of Motivate Publishing, said the Emirates Woman of the Year award was created to showcase excellence and outstanding achievement among the women of the UAE.

"Emirates Woman has been part of this industry for almost 25 years, and we felt it was time for us to create an official platform to recognize those women who have broken new ground in this country," Gina said.

'The award is another example of Motivate Publishing's pioneering and innovative work in the UAE.'

Other award nominees included UAE national surgeon Dr. Houriya Kazim, Expatwoman.com founder Jane Drury, adventure specialist Julie Amer, lawyer Lara Haider, educationist Aparna Verma and entrepreneur Negin Fettahi Dasmal.

Guest of honour former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto joined 160 elite members of the community at the exclusive lunch to recognise the outstanding achievement of UAE women.

The first Muslim woman ever to be elected Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto was also presented with the Emirates Woman International Woman of the Year Award for her inspirational accomplishments.

In total, 23 Emirates Woman awards were presented across a variety of categories including arts, humanitarian, beauty, fashion and business.