Planning an event is not for the faint of heart. The key is to avoid the stress of planning and actually enjoy your own celebration. We’ve selected event planners in the GCC that have experience curating events for some of the most prestigious brands in the world, to ones that create memorable small-scale gatherings. Whether you are planning your wedding, a gathering of friends, or a milestone in your company, these event planners will pay attention to every element of your moment, from start to finish.
Kuwait-based Hibah Al-Tourah is a visionary creator. From a young age, Al-Tourah was immersed in an environment that encouraged creative staging for gatherings by helping her mother plan activities for festive occasions and family holidays. Since 2017, Hibah has worked private and public events through her company, Aged. Al-Tourah has collaborated with several brands and has worked with cafes, outdoor weddings, and even paddle clubs in Marbella. Staying current and up-to-date on trending decor, fashion, and motivational concepts inspires the creative vision the Aged cofounder uses to align with the client’s goals. With an already vast repertoire of skills, Al-Tourah has also branched into fashion designing, having launched her fashion label, The Pair Edit, earlier this year. “I feel fashion and design staging are interconnected. I may be inspired by a seasonal trending colour, a strange-looking lamp, a printed rug, or melted candles,” adds Al-Tourah. Hibah is always open to travelling around the world for work. Discover more by clicking here.
Rasha Badran is no novice when it comes to curating the perfect event. Founding her own company, The Purple Chair, in 2015, today Badran works both private and public events and with brands such as Bulgari, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Tag Heuer, among others. Rasha Badran’s inspiration when designing memorable events comes from travel. “It teaches you new horizons, opens your mind to different cultures and expands your creativity.” Badran has organised events throughout the Gulf region as well as in Europe. Badran’s key to success is knowing her clients inside and out. “When you are heavily invested in understanding their vision, this will show through your work,” says Badran. “Next comes finding the right balance between delivering their mood board and adding your signature touch. Since you’re the expert, they are relying on you to elevate the ideas and deliver something exceptional.” Badran has integrated the ‘quiet luxury’ philosophy into her event designs. “You experience the luxury through the senses — through textures, balance, and atmosphere — not necessarily through shiny or obvious details,” states the founder. Discover more by clicking here.
Before founding Concept 1104, cofounders Lujain Naim and Sanaz Rahpaima spent over a decade managing marketing for global lifestyle and fashion brands. Having sat on both the client and agency side, the duo understand how to bring a concept to life. “We believe storytelling is at the core of every impactful event. For us, it’s about making sure the story, the experience, and the brand are all speaking the same language,” says Naim. The pair are known for bringing a fresh perspective and avoiding repetition in favour of something unexpected. Naim and Rahpaima have produced a four-day-long private celebration in Asia, music festivals, and Dubai Fashion Week. They’ve also collaborated with brands such as Marina Rinaldi, Jimmy Choo, and Charles & Keith, to name a few. “Our approach adapts to the audience, but the standards and creative thinking remain the same,” says Naim. The female founders’ creativity is fuelled by curiosity and observation. “We draw ideas from travel, art, fashion, architecture, and even simple, everyday moments,” says Naim. Concept 1104 operates across the GCC and Europe. Discover more by clicking here.
Layla Al-Ansari has always had a passion for creativity, organisation, and flowers. Al-Ansari began her creative career in 2020, as she saw an opportunity in designing intimate gatherings in private homes and farms, due to large-scale events being cancelled as a result of the pandemic. Since then, Al-Ansari has collaborated with several prominent companies, including STC Solutions, Bank SABB, and prestigious global brands such as Aigner, Just Cavalli, Ted Baker, and Al Fardan Fine Jewellery. Al-Ansari works both public and private events, from weddings to corporate events and gala dinners. “I draw inspiration from diverse sources, including art, nature, and cultural experiences,” says the founder. Discover more by clicking here.
Aseel Al-Ansari, owner of Weddings and Events Co., specialises in designing and planning luxury weddings. The Bahrain-based planner began in 2005 and has worked on public and private events such as royal weddings, the grand opening of Zain, National Day at Bahrain International Airport, Women’s Day at the Supreme Council for Women, and more. When designing events, Al-Ansari works to understand the client’s personality and style, and “sometimes I’m inspired by the place or venue or the backstory of the event or wedding,” says Al-Ansari. Aseel has successfully executed several destination events and has connections with numerous suppliers and venues in various countries. Discover more by clicking here.
May Tabana, CEO of Cleo Agency, began her career training in events and artistic management at the Sorbonne and working at the Institut du Monde Arabe for the Biennale des Cinémas in Paris. Cleo Agency specialises in corporate events and has a diverse client base locally and internationally from Paris, London, and Germany. Tabana has worked with Formula 1, Dior, Harrods, Qatar Airways, Google Cloud, Ferrari, and Doha Festival City, to name a few. She has also collaborated with major sports championships like the Paralympics and World Chess. “It’s about telling a story and creating an atmosphere, with the right venue, that makes the event memorable,”says Tabana. Discover more by clicking here.
.jpg)
