Nadia Zaal – A Quiet Force Behind Iconic Developments

Nadia Zaal has built a reputation in the UAE not just as a developer, but as someone who reshapes spaces with vision and purpose. As co-founder and CEO of Zaya, she has spent years blending architecture, nature, and community into projects that stand apart in the crowded world of real estate. Her work reflects more than business growth it reflects a belief that luxury living should feel personal, sustainable, and timeless. Born into a family of developers, Nadia Zaal grew up in an environment where ideas about community living and design were part of everyday conversations. Her father, Zaal Mohammed Zaal, is known for his commitment to creating green, livable neighborhoods in Dubai. This early exposure shaped how she approaches projects: not just as structures, but as living environments where people can thrive. Early Influences and Education Raised between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Nadia Zaal experienced the UAE’s transformation from quiet desert stretches to modern cities. She completed her studies at London School of Economics, which gave her the financial and strategic foundation to manage large-scale ventures. By her early twenties, she had already entered the family business, gaining practical experience in investment and development. She often speaks about how those years taught her to pay attention to details the way spaces are