Maitha Alawadi
Maitha Alawadi is an internationally acclaimed Emirati film director, scriptwriter, and TV presenter with over a decade of experience across the UAE, Australia, India, and the UK. She holds a Master of Arts in Filmmaking from the University of Sussex and has earned 13+ awards at over 40 global film festivals. Her directorial debut, Al Eid Eiden, a Saudi-Emirati family comedy, was released across GCC cinemas, while her award-winning script Nour is in development. Her short films X and Charlie have won international recognition, and her UAE Golden Jubilee film, In the Union of Our Emirates: A Future Forged by History, was created under Image Nation’s Creative Lab.
Maitha has contributed to over 20 short fiction films in various production roles, including director, producer, editor, sound designer, and SFX makeup artist. Alongside her independent work, she has directed client projects, including mini docu-series, commercials, and social media content. Passionate about cultural authenticity and innovative storytelling, she brings underrepresented narratives to the forefront, redefining how Arab cinema is perceived globally.
Beyond filmmaking, Maitha is a TEDx speaker on identity and has participated in industry workshops, including Film Independent’s AFS Episodic Lab and DFTC’s Ticket to Bollywood initiative. She has led filmmaking workshops, spoken at major industry panels, and been interviewed by multiple media outlets. She has also co-presented on Dubai Eye 103.8 FM and Dubai One TV and was a quarter-finalist on OSN’s Live the Oscars. Through her work, she continues to inspire emerging filmmakers while advocating for diverse representation in global storytelling.
This poster is from Maitha Alawadi’s directorial debut film by ImageNation, Al Eid Eiden, which explores family dynamics during the Eid holidays. Set in the UAE and KSA, the film highlights cultural ties that bind families across borders through humor, emotion, and unexpected events. The story follows a family’s chaotic yet heartwarming journey, where family, tradition, and personal growth take center stage. This project marks the debut of four Emirati women in pivotal roles, including producer Rawia Abdullah, scriptwriter Sara Al Sayegh, and lead actress Meera Almidfa, celebrating the strength and talent of local women in the film industry.
This is the poster for Nour, a passion project by Maitha Alawadi set against the Syrian Civil War. It follows two brothers, Adnan, who flees to Turkey, and Ayman, who stays in Syria, facing unimaginable hardship. Their journey spans three years, exploring loss, survival, and the war’s devastating impact on families. Inspired by real refugee stories, Nour was accepted into 30 global festivals and won 9 awards. Initially recognized as a script, it is now in the process of being produced as a feature film, with funding currently being sought.
Maitha Alawadi’s dynamic career has established her as a visionary filmmaker and presenter. She began at Arabian Radio Network, making her mark as Senior Executive Content Coordinator, shaping broadcasts and covering prestigious film festivals for Dubai Eye 103.8 FM. In 2020, Maitha transitioned to Blaze Production as a Presenter, creating compelling content for top brands while collaborating with a diverse mix of creatives and agencies. As Head of Production at New Media Academy (2021-2023), she led production teams, overseeing projects from concept to delivery. A celebrated scriptwriter and director, Maitha’s debut film “Al Eid Eiden,” a family comedy, was released across the GCC, while her award-winning script “Nour” is in development. With recognition from over 40 global festivals and featured in top publications, Maitha’s passion for storytelling continues to shape the future of filmmaking, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
