Emirati documentary executive Aziza Al Tamimi reflects on discovering photography, building her career at Image Nation Studios and bringing authentic regional narratives to the screen.
Aziza Al Tamimi’s relationship with a camera began with the encouragement of her aunt, who introduced her to framing, light, and visual composition at the age of ten. That early curiosity became a career devoted to bringing authentic regional narratives to the screen.
Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, Al Tamimi developed her craft through practical experience, pursuing internships with the Creative Media Authority’s Talent Development team and Image Nation Studios. Her work on HOBA offered an early opportunity to help shape the details through which Emirati culture was represented on screen.
Today, she is a Documentary Executive within Image Nation Studios’ Documentary and Unscripted Department, overseeing projects from concept to delivery. She also mentors emerging creatives while helping shape the region’s documentary landscape. We find out more about her story.
Your interest in visual storytelling began with a DSLR camera borrowed from your aunt. What do you remember about those early moments behind the camera?
I was around 10 when my aunt got her first DSLR camera. She loved photography and often asked me to take photos of her, which gave me my first experience behind the camera.
I watched how she chose the right frame, background, and lighting, and she taught me how to use the camera and gave me feedback after each shot. When she noticed how much I enjoyed it, she encouraged me to photograph our family and different occasions, experimenting with different settings and lighting.
It became something we shared and strengthened our bond. She eventually got me my first small Canon camera, and my interest continued to grow until I chose Video Production as my major in college and got my first DSLR, a camera I still have and love to this day.
How did growing up in Abu Dhabi shape your creative perspective and the stories you wanted to tell?
Growing up in Abu Dhabi gave me an appreciation for the diversity of stories that exist all around us. It is a place where heritage and tradition sit alongside rapid innovation and where people from many different backgrounds live and work together. That environment taught me to be curious and to look beyond the obvious when telling stories. It also made me realise that some of the most meaningful stories are often the ones closest to home.
What has been your proudest project to date, and which was the most challenging?
One project that holds a special place for me is the film HOBA. It was thrilling to be part of the first Emirati project I worked on because, although the story itself wasn’t directly related to me, I had a lot of input in shaping the elements that represent the UAE and Abu Dhabi throughout the project. From the Emirati accent in the script to the wardrobe, locations, and many other details, it felt meaningful to contribute to how our culture was represented on screen.
It was also inspiring to see an Emirati story connect with audiences beyond the UAE, with HOBA becoming the top psychological horror film released in the UAE and receiving international recognition, including Best Horror Picture at Fantastic Fest in the US.
What have been the biggest challenges in building your career, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that there is no shortcut in this industry. Building a career takes patience, consistency and a willingness to keep learning, especially in an environment where every production brings new challenges and new ways of working.
I actively sought opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships and on-set roles because I knew practical experience would teach me things I couldn’t learn in a classroom. My own journey reflects the value of those opportunities. After completing several internships with Image Nation Studios, I transitioned into a full-time role as a Documentary Executive.
As a young Emirati woman working in the screen industry, how have you seen opportunities for women evolve in the UAE?
These opportunities do exist, and taking them can lead you to the places you want to be. It won’t always be easy, and it may take time, but eventually, it will be worth it. As an Emirati, creating something that represents me and my culture and sharing it with the world is a moment of great pride for me. I want young, talented Emirati women to experience that feeling too by being brave enough to take these opportunities when they come their way.
There is also a strong, inspiring community of women in this field working to create pathways for the next generation of Emirati talent. We want to support, guide, and open doors for young women, and most importantly, watch them grow and go on to create their own amazing stories.
The documentary and unscripted department at Image Nation Studios is an all-female team, and I’m proud to be part of it. It’s wonderful to see how more Emirati women are helping to shape the stories we bring to the screen.
What advice would you give to Arab creatives today who want to develop a distinctive voice and build lasting careers?
Focus on developing your craft before worrying about recognition. A distinctive voice doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from observing the world around you, staying curious and consistently creating work that reflects your own perspective.
Equally important is gaining practical experience. Every set, every production and every collaboration teaches you something new, regardless of your role. Those experiences build both your skills and your confidence.
