Redefining Luxury: Sustainability, Leadership, and Innovation in the Hospitality Sector
Nadia Zaal
Co-founder and CEO, Zaya Group
The ABLF Talks | The ABLF City | June 8, 2021
Speaker Introduction
Nadia Zaal is a prominent Emirati entrepreneur, real estate visionary, and the co-founder and CEO of Zaya Group, a boutique developer renowned for integrating luxury with sustainability. She is the creative force behind iconic developments such as Al Barari, Dubai’s first eco-conscious, low-density residential community, and Zaya Nurai Island, an award-winning private island resort dubbed by Newsweek as one of the world’s most luxurious destinations. Ms Zaal has pioneered new standards in hospitality and design, combining nature-inspired aesthetics with forward-thinking environmental technology. She is also widely respected for championing female leadership in traditionally male-dominated sectors and for her holistic, team-centered approach to organizational culture.
Moderator: Resham Kotecha, Policy and Strategy Specialist, London
Prepared by: The ABLF Research Council
Date: June 8, 2021
Event: The ABLF Talks, hosted virtually at the ABLF City
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Executive Summary
In a compelling session at ABLF Talks Live, Nadia Zaal shared the principles that have guided her transformation of luxury real estate and hospitality in the UAE. As CEO of Zaya Group, Ms Zaal has reimagined high-end development with an emphasis on sustainability, wellness, and experience design. From the lush Al Barari community to the solar-powered Zaya Nurai Island, her projects reflect a commitment to innovation and nature. Her reflections on leadership, shaped by navigating both the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, offered deep insights into resilience, emotional intelligence, and future readiness. Ms Zaal’s narrative exemplifies how authenticity, intuition, and vision can shape not only successful businesses but also a more sustainable and inclusive future for global hospitality.
Sign in to unlock the library of the ABLF Insightfolio
The ABLF Insightfolio features researched, knowledge-led whitepapers that capture the strategic perspectives and insights of Asia’s foremost thinkers, policymakers, business leaders and social scientists.
Derived from the impact-led dialogues at the ABLF Talks, these policy-shaping documents are designed to inform, inspire, and ignite action across all sectors, from inclusive growth and sustainability to innovation and digital transformation.
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