Nadia Zaal: Visionary Leader Transforming UAE’s Real Estate and Hospitality

Dubai, UAE – Nadia Zaal, an Emirati entrepreneur and trailblazer, has redefined the UAE’s luxury real estate and hospitality sectors through her visionary approach to development. As the Cofounder and CEO of Zaya and CEO of Al Barari, Zaal has dedicated her career to creating destinations that combine architectural excellence, environmental sustainability, and community-focused living. Her leadership has placed her among the most influential figures in the region’s property industry.

Early Vision and Founding of Zaya

In 2008, Zaal cofounded Zaya, a boutique development company with a mission to create projects that are not only luxurious but also deeply connected to their natural surroundings.

Under her leadership, Zaya has developed some of the UAE’s most iconic lifestyle destinations, including:

• Nurai Island, a private island sanctuary offering exclusive villas and resort experiences.
• Al Barari, one of Dubai’s most distinctive residential communities, celebrated for its lush greenery and eco-conscious design.
• ZUHHA Island, a landmark project unveiled in March 2023, featuring 30 ultra-luxury residential villas that embody Zaya’s philosophy of privacy, sustainability, and world-class living.

These developments showcase Zaal’s unique ability to blend luxury living with sustainability, setting new benchmarks for the region.

Driving Growth at Al Barari

As CEO of Al Barari, Zaal oversees a diverse team of over 900 professionals, steering the company through ambitious expansion plans and ensuring that its projects meet the highest standards of quality and innovation.

Between Q4 2022 and Q1 2023, Al Barari achieved significant milestones, including the handover of two major residential communities:

• The Neighborhood – A thoughtfully designed development catering to modern urban families.

• Chorisia – A community known for its serene natural setting and contemporary design.

These successful project deliveries reflect Zaal’s ability to anticipate market demands and deliver products that resonate with discerning buyers and investors.

Championing Education and Community Development

Zaal’s vision extends beyond real estate and hospitality. Recognizing the importance of education in building strong communities, she launched Zaya Early Learning and Al Fanar schools.

These initiatives reflect her holistic approach to development, ensuring that Zaya’s projects not only provide world-class homes but also foster environments where families can thrive. By integrating education into her business model, Zaal demonstrates her commitment to long-term community growth.

Expanding Horizons Through Strategic Roles

Beyond her roles at Zaya and Al Barari, Zaal is a director at FIVE Holdings, a prominent investment and development group known for its luxury hotels and high-profile real estate ventures.

Her involvement with FIVE Holdings highlights her ability to navigate diverse sectors, from hospitality and tourism to real estate investment, bringing strategic vision and operational expertise to every project she touches.

ZUHA Island: Redefining Private Island Living

One of Zaal’s most ambitious projects to date, ZUHHA Island, was officially launched in March 2023. The development comprises 30 bespoke villas, each designed to offer unparalleled privacy and exclusivity.

Located just minutes away from Dubai’s coastline, ZUHHA Island reflects Zaal’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Each villa blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings while offering cutting-edge amenities, setting a new standard for ultra-luxury coastal living in the region.

A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership

With 18 years of industry experience, Zaal has established herself as a visionary leader shaping the future of real estate in the UAE. Her projects are recognized for their design innovation, sustainability practices, and lifestyle-driven concepts that cater to both local and international markets.

Her leadership has been instrumental in positioning Al Barari and Zaya as leaders in eco-luxury development, inspiring the next generation of real estate professionals and entrepreneurs.

As Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the wider region continue to expand under ambitious visions like Dubai 2040 and Saudi Vision 2030, Zaal is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the next wave of sustainable luxury development.

Her forward-thinking approach ensures that future projects will continue to balance luxury, functionality, and environmental stewardship, while fostering vibrant communities and redefining the possibilities of modern living.