Profile

Nadia Zaal

Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Zaya Real Estate Developer

Nadia Zaal is a pioneering developer reshaping the future of hospitality, real estate, and education in the region. As the Founder of Zaya, she is the visionary behind transformative destinations including Nurai Island, Al Barari, and the soon-to-open ZUHHA Island—each rooted in a deep commitment to nature, wellbeing, and purposeful design. Her work spans sectors, but her mission remains the same: to create human-centered communities that elevate how people live, connect, and grow. At the intersection of luxury and meaning, her developments are celebrated for integrating sustainability, aesthetics, and soul. Nadia is also the founder of Zaya Al Fanar School, a pioneering educational initiative blending Waldorf-inspired pedagogy with future-facing innovation. As a Director of FIVE Holdings, she contributes to one of the region’s most disruptive and digitally savvy hospitality groups—known for its bold energy, brand innovation, and ability to set new benchmarks in experiential luxury. A recipient of the Arab Woman Award and a member of YPO and YAL, Nadia’s leadership is grounded in integrity, intuition, and long-term vision—values that continue to shape her work as she builds a new blueprint for regional lifestyle and hospitality investment.