DUBAI, 1 September 2004 — “Unveiling Dubai”, a documentary directed and produced by the UAE’s first independent woman filmmaker Nayla Al-Khaja, was premiered here recently.
This documentary captures a Western tourist’s first impressions of the MIddle East. The awe-struck visitor, played by acclaimed German filmmaker Nicolas Doldinger, is guided around Dubai’s many attractions by a young national, portrayed by Al-Khaja 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,” said Al-Khaja.
Unveiling Dubai seeks to dispel preconceived Western notions about the Middle East being a gigantic desert region and Dubai as a small developing oasis. It was filmed with the support of Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al-Nahyan, minister of higher education.
The film takes viewers through all the characteristics that give Dubai its unique position in the Middle East and the world, said Doldinger. The film takes in some of the city’s best-known landmarks such as Burj Al-Arab and Madinat Jumeira. It also highlights Dubai’s tradition.
Al-Khaja, who studied at Canada’s top filmmaking university Ryerson, hopes her pioneering efforts in this field will encourage other young Emiratis to explore the world of cinema and filmmaking as an alternative career option.
