#UAEReads: filmmaker Nahla Al Fahad says reading helps her with her writing

Al Fahad mostly enjoys reading English and Arabic novels and is currently reading Faltaghferi (Please Forgive) by Saudi author Atheer Al Nashmi.

Emirati filmmaker Nahla Al Fahad. Sarah Dea / The National

Reading goes hand-in-hand with Dubai filmmaker Nahla Al Fahad's chosen career. "Reading is important to me because it enriches my knowledge in so many areas and takes me to a different world," she says. "Being a director helps me visualise what I'm reading." Al Fahad, who collaborated on the acclaimed documentary The Tainted Veil, which examines the origins of the hijab and its place in society, says reading has helped her in many areas of life. "In my work, it has helped me gain knowledge and information, it has helped me in my writing and visualisation, and it reflects on a person, especially when he or she gets into a discussion – it shows they are educated," she says. Al Fahad mostly enjoys reading English and Arabic novels and is currently reading an Arabic book, Faltaghferi (Please Forgive). "It is written by a Saudi writer called Atheer Al Nashmi," she says. "She is an excellent writer and the book is doing really well." Al Fahad, a Dubai Polytechnic media and marketing graduate who owns her own film company, Beyond Studios, has recently written her first feature-film script. The Emirati rates books by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, as the ones she finds most inspiring.

Favourite books

My Vision: Challenges in the Race for Excellence by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid

“This book is full of positivity and is inspiring and encouraging.”

Please Forgive by Atheer Al Nashmi

“This romantic novel created a buzz on social media and among many readers. I really like her way of writing.”

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

“I am always inspired by his creativity and his belief in change in terms of innovation.”

1000 CEOs

“For anyone interested in developing their business-leadership skills. This book is full of colourful and instructive career anecdotes and advice from business leaders around the globe. I found it very beneficial for my career.”

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

“This is the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster, as she battles cancer. Not only is Hazel trying to live the normal life of a 16-year-old but she is also struggling with what it will be like for her parents after she dies. I watched the movie and I was so touched by her story.”