While pursuing his university studies, Abdulla became a lead presenter on Dubai TV in 2004. He continued in this post for the next four years gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field of production. Knowing that he always wanted to be in the Director’s seat, he pursued a Master’s Degree in Filmmaking at the École Internationale de Création Audiovisuelle et de Réalisation. In 2011, he directed his first award-winning short film, The Philosopher, starring famed French actor Jean Reno. His second short film Koshk won two awards at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival in 2014. Only Men Go to the Grave is his first feature film and won the Best Muhr Emirati Feature at Dubai International Film Festival.