A Film by Nayla Al Khaja
UAE trailblazer Nayla Al Khaja joins forces with two-time Oscar winner A.R. Rahman to deliver an atmospheric, emotionally charged film with worldwide appeal.
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About BAAB
Logline
Some doors should never be opened.
Synopsis
When her twin sister dies without explanation, a woman sets out to uncover the truth. But a haunting sound in her left ear leads her into a mountain world of visions, secrets, and dangerous revelations. BAAB is a tense psychological drama where the path to closure opens a door that should never have been opened.
Film Details
FILM INFORMATION
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Original title: باب
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English title: BAAB
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Year: 2026
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Country of production: United Arab Emirates
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Duration: 97'
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Film Status: Locked picture
Releasing theatrically in the Gulf Countries, Egypt, and Turkiye in 2026
FILM CLASSIFICATIONS
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Type: Fictional Feature Film
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Genre: Psychologica Drama, Mystery
FILM TECHNICAL INFORMATION
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Camera: Arri Alexa
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Image: Color, Scope 2.39:1
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Language Format: Arabic with English subtitles.
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Available formats: Encrypted DCP,MP4 file, Pro Res file.
KEY CREW
Nayla Al Khaja
Director, Producer & Writer
Nayla Al Khaja, the UAE's first female director, is known for her bold, rich, moody visuals and layered storytelling. Her debut feature Three was the longest-running independent film in MENA, with 120 days in cinemas. With films on Netflix, her work blends psychological beauty and horror, tackling social taboos like grief, divorce, and identity while presenting Arabic Gulf culture in a raw, unsanitized way.
Sultan Saeed Al Darmaki
Producer
Sultan Saeed Al Darmaki is the founder and CEO of Dark Dunes Productions, an independent film company based in Abu Dhabi. With a background in business and management, he combines strategic focus with a strong passion for cinema, particularly genre storytelling.
He began his career producing independent horror, fantasy, and sci-fi films, later expanding into a broader leadership role that supports filmmakers through financing, production, and development. Under his direction, Dark Dunes continues to create distinctive genre films and is now growing into animation and new narrative formats.
Two Time Oscar Winner
A.R. Rahman
Composer
A.R. Rahman is an internationally celebrated composer, singer, and music producer whose groundbreaking work has redefined contemporary Indian music on the global stage. Widely known as the "Mozart of Madras," Rahman has composed scores for over 150 films in multiple languages. He made history by winning two Academy Awards for Slumdog Millionaire, Best Original Score and Best Original Song, alongside two Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe for the same project. His ability to seamlessly blend Indian classical music with electronic sounds and world influences has made him one of the most respected composers worldwide. Rahman's collaborations span from Hollywood to Broadway, and his music continues to inspire, elevate, and transcend borders.
Rogier Stoffers, ASC, NSC
Director of Photography
Rogier Stoffers, ASC, NSC, is an acclaimed Dutch cinematographer known for his striking visual storytelling across global cinema. He won a Golden Frog at Camerimage and shot Character, which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. His diverse credits include Quills, John Q, School of Rock, Disturbia, and Mongol, which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film and a Nika Award for Best Cinematography. Stoffers also received an Emmy nomination for HBO's Hemingway and Gellhorn. A member of both the American and Netherlands Societies of Cinematographers, he brings unparalleled depth and beauty to every frame he creates.
Direction & Production
Director: Nayla Al Khaja
Producers: Sultan Saeed Al Darmaki, Nayla Al Khaja & Jude S Walko
Cast
Shaima Al Fadl
Huda Alghanem
Meera Almidfa
Sabiha Majgaonkar
Mansoor Alnoamani
Creative Team
Cinematographer: Rogier Stoffers (ASC,NSC)
Music by: Two-time Oscar winner A.R. Rahman
Writers: Masoud Amralla Al Ali & Nayla Al Khaja
Editor & Co-producer: Sebastian Funke
Shaima Al Fadl
As Wahida / Nisma
Saudi actress known for her roles in Gulf and Egyptian-Saudi films. She gained recognition for her performance in Bahr Al Maas, where she portrayed a diver after learning to swim and dive in just two weeks. Passionate about the craft, she also teaches acting across theatre, cinema, and television.
Huda Alghanem
As Umi Fatma
Emirati actress who began her career in 1991, performing across theatre and television. Known for her expressive performances, she received the Best Actress award at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival for her role in the film Dreams of Rice.
Meera Al Midfa
As Amal
Emirati actor, director, and producer from Dubai. A graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory, she starred in the award-winning The Remaining Time and the upcoming UAE–Saudi feature Best Holiday Ever. She is currently developing new film projects and works as a Creative Producer with Abu Dhabi Media.
Sabiha Majgaonkar
As Surooji
An emerging actress who has appeared in three short films. BAAB marks her feature film acting debut, bringing her talent to the big screen with a fresh and compelling presence.
Mansoor Alnoamani
As Tariq
An Emirati talent who has appeared in numerous television commercials. BAAB marks his film acting debut, showcasing his transition into narrative cinema with a charismatic on-screen presence.
Mari Al Halyan
As Omar
Mari Al Halyan is a renowned Emirati actor known for his impactful roles across theatre, television, and film. With decades of experience, he is celebrated for his authentic portrayals and his lasting influence on Emirati storytelling.
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