BAAB, the acclaimed feature film by Emirati Director Nayla Al Khaja, officially opens in cinemas across the GCC and Egypt region from 8 January 2026, marking a major milestone in the film’s international journey. The regional release will be followed by an upcoming rollout in Türkiye, with additional international markets to be announced in the months ahead.
Following its successful world premiere at Cairo International Film Festival, BAAB now transitions from the global festival circuit into wide theatrical release, reflecting the growing presence of Emirati-led cinema reaching audiences across the region and beyond.
Celebrating Emirati Storytelling
Held on the eve of its regional release, BAAB’s official UAE premiere took place at VOX Cinemas, Wafi City, bringing together leading figures from film, culture, and the creative industries. The evening marked a celebratory moment not only for the film, but for the growing visibility and confidence of Emirati cinema on the global stage.
The premiere welcomed Oscar Award–winning composer A. R. Rahman as Guest of Honour, underscoring the film’s international calibre and artistic ambition. The esteemed audience included H.E. Sumaya Bin Hareb Al Suwaidi, Member of the Federal National Council; Ms. Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3); Ms. Hongxiang Qi, screenwriter, author, and film and television producer; and Eng. Maitha Alblooshi, an advocate for the empowerment of Emirati women; Mayssa Maghrebi, Emirati-Moroccan actress; and Mansour Al Feeli, Emirati actor. Together with prominent creatives, industry leaders, and cultural figures, their presence reflected BAAB’s strong resonance across cinema, culture, and leadership in the UAE.
Directed by the first female Emirati filmmaker and supported by the UAE Ministry of Culture’s National Grant for Culture and Creativity, BAAB marks a clear step forward for Emirati storytelling, grounded in place and emotional perspective, while engaging audiences beyond the region.
“With BAAB, I found myself listening more than speaking, to story, to memory, and to the quiet strength of Arab cinema. The journey has been humbling and deeply personal, and the response across borders has been incredibly moving. Yet this is not an arrival. It’s the beginning. Arab cinema is evolving with honesty and courage, and this is only the first chapter of a much longer road.” says Director Nayla Al Khaja.
