Spanning opulent palaces, dramatic deserts, coastal escapes, and culturally rich cities, the Middle Eastern & African wedding landscape is defined by scale, soul, and storytelling. The region’s top wedding planners and designers are masters at orchestrating celebrations that balance grandeur with deep emotional resonance. Known for their ability to execute complex, multi-day affairs with effortless finesse, these visionaries create weddings that are bold, expressive, and impeccably curated. Discover the creative forces redefining what extraordinary weddings look like across the Middle East & Africa.
Adeola Okeshola, 2706 Events, Nigeria
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Elevating event production into the realm of installation art is our passion and goal.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? My dream destination would be Bali — surrounded by nature, spirituality, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s a place that reminds me to pause, breathe, and reconnect.
Do what you love, love what you do,
and with all your heart give yourself to it. — Roy T. Bennett
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Don’t let the planning overshadow the purpose. Trust your team, trust each other, and enjoy the moments in between — they become the memories you’ll cherish most.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Creativity gives me vision. Structure gives me direction. The beauty lies in balancing both with grace.
Afi Amoro & Janette Duah, Jandel Ltd, Ghana
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? At Jandel Limited, our passion stems from the magic of turning life’s milestones—especially weddings and celebrations of love—into breathtaking realities through exquisite floral artistry and illuminating light designs. Inspired by founder Madam Afi Amoro’s vision of elegance and joy, we pour our hearts into every petal and glow, creating personalized narratives that couples cherish forever.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? South Africa: Breathtaking scenery, excellent value for money, world-class services
We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are. – Oprah Winfrey
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Remember that the wedding is just one day—the marriage is forever. When stress rises, pause and ask yourselves, “Will this detail matter in five years?”Choose each other over perfection every single time; everything else (flowers, lights, timeline) will fall beautifully into place when your love leads the way.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? As the Creative CEO of Jandel Limited, I don’t balance creativity and business—I fuse them. Creativity is the soul; business is the spine. One without the other collapses. My daily ritual: I start with pure imagination—no budgets, no logistics—just sketch.
Ali Behnam Bakhtiar, Ali Bakhtiar Designs, Dubai & Monaco
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? For me, it has always been about creation and pushing boundaries. That drive is what keeps me committed to crafting unforgettable experiences every single day.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? I would choose a place that truly resonates with my soul — a destination where the atmosphere, the energy, and the beauty align with who I am. For me, it’s less about the location itself and more about the feeling it evokes.
A quote that perfectly reflects my journey would be about the connection with the divinity within me — embracing the inner guidance, creativity, and purpose that drives everything I do.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Trust in the professionals you hire — their expertise and vision are what transform your wedding dreams into an unforgettable reality.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Success comes from focusing on what you truly love to do and love to create. When you work from a place of passion and create something beautiful, success follows naturally.
Arun Bablani, Vivaah Weddings, UAE
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? My passion lies in transforming emotion into experience. Every celebration is a symphony of love, culture, and artistry; a moment where design meets destiny. The privilege of curating memories that transcend time and place is what continues to inspire me. Each wedding is not just an event but a timeless love story brought to life with intention, beauty, and soul.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? If I were to renew my vows today, it would be in Marmaris, Türkiye, or Tbilisi, Georgia. Two destinations that speak to my soul in very different yet profound ways. Marmaris, with its turquoise waters, pine-covered mountains, and sense of Mediterranean romance, feels like a dreamscape where nature and luxury coexist effortlessly. On the other hand, Tbilisi holds a soulful charm; rich in history, warmth, and authenticity; a place where culture, hospitality, and emotion come together beautifully.
Nothing worth having comes easy.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? The best advice I can give couples is to focus on the joy, not the perfection. A wedding is meant to celebrate love, not logistics. Surround yourselves with professionals you trust, then let go and truly live every moment. Years from now, you won’t remember the small imperfections; you’ll remember the laughter, the music, and how it all felt.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Always take some time off to travel, explore new places, and look for new inspirations. Then, delegate the tasks with my dream team!
Aseel Al Ansari, Weddings & Events Co, Bahrain
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? The driving force behind my dedication lies in the pursuit of excellence and the joy of transforming abstract ideas into tangible realities. It’s about evoking emotions, sparking connections, and continuously pushing creative boundaries to leave a lasting impact.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? My home is the most beautiful venue. The beauty of the view is sculpted with the sweetest days and memories in every corner of the house, with the scents of happiness and its colors in one part of the home garden.
Life is work
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Relax, so things go smoothly.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Self-care, taking breaks, and engaging in activities that recharge my energy.
Bibi Hayat, Bibi Hayat Events & Design, Kuwait
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? For me, passion is born from the act of creating itself — creativity inspires more creativity. Every project begins with a memory, a feeling, or a fleeting detail that sparks something bigger
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? For me, it’s never been about the destination — it’s about the people and the memories tied to a place. I would return to my parents’ garden, where I was married and where all my sisters celebrated their weddings too. That garden holds our childhood, our birthdays, our milestones — it’s the heart of our family. I believe in cherishing the beauty of what already exists rather than always seeking what’s next. There’s something so soulful about celebrating love in a place that has witnessed so much of it already. I wouldn’t change a thing; I’d simply relive it all over again.
Keep creating, keep believing, and keep showing up — with resilience,
persistence, and faith.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Focus on what truly matters — the love, the warmth, and the feeling you create. Don’t let pressure or expectations define your day. Whether it’s grand or intimate, what people remember is how it felt, not how much it cost. Stay true to yourselves, your story, and your family — that’s what makes a wedding unforgettable.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? It’s a day-by-day balance — some days the business takes over, some days the creativity flows, and some days you just need to pause. I’ve learned there’s no perfect formula. What matters is staying adaptable and not being too hard on myself.
Bisola Borha Arigbe, Trendy Bee Elite Events, Nigeria
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Creating happiness. I do this by creating mystery around my events, thereby keeping guests pleasantly surprised and wanting more.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Singapore! It is absolutely mysterious, and the beauty is memorable
I don’t just create events – I create moments that live forever.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? I always tell my couples, if you can plan a wedding together and still make each other laugh, you are already winning in marriage.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Creativity gives me wings, but structure keeps me flying. I have learned to honor my imagination while respecting the numbers, timelines, and team that turn ideas into legacy events.
Bryan Tachie-Menson, White Chalk Global, Ghana
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Love is the greatest gift of all. Having the honor to aid people in celebrating the very essence of life—love, will always be a good driving force. Creating an environment of joy, good cheer, togetherness, and splendor continually drives me.
We rise by lifting others.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? My single most valuable piece of advice is this — protect your peace more than your plans. It’s easy to get lost in the details. The colors, the outfits, the timelines, but the heart of it all is your union, not the event. Take a moment to breathe, pray together, and remind yourselves why you’re doing this.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? For me, balance comes from structure that protects creativity. I’ve learned that my ideas flow best when there is clarity- clear systems, clear value, clear purpose. The creative spirit fuels innovation, but discipline sustains impact.
Christina Holt, Wedding Concepts, South Africa
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? I’m a people person who loves creating celebrations that are uniquely individual and showcase our destination to the world. As a businesswoman, I also take pride in running a successful agency that brings these visions to life
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? South Africa
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Enjoy every moment. Leave the logistics to a pro.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Lead with vision, delegate the details, and protect time for myself—it’s how creativity and business succeed together.
Elias Sarkis, Trendevents by Elias Sarkis, Lebanon
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? My passion is rooted in witnessing love at its most genuine and thoughtful, shaping it into an experience that lingers long after the day itself. I’m inspired by the responsibility of honoring each couple’s unique story – who they are, what they value, and how they want to feel. Creating a celebration that is deeply personal while guiding them with calm and care throughout the process is what motivates me every day.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Italy
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? A calm and connected couple makes a beautiful wedding- everything else is just decoration. Treat wedding planning as practice for marriage, not a test you have to pass.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Creativity sets the direction, discipline keeps it profitable and sustainable. Inspiration shall stay free, and the company will stay strong and ongoing. It is good to give creativity its full portion of the business, whereas it gives business its full role.
Fabrice Orlando, Cocoon Events, Morocco/France
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? My source is people because we meet amazing people that I would never be able to if I were somebody else.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Anywhere as long as a beach is involved, with a preference for the Caribbean.
I go to bed when I need to, and I wake up when I want to!
And sometimes we simply don’t
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Just trust your planner and don’t micromanage
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I split my day into 2, early morning is the business part, then I switch to the creative one.
Firas Issa, Occasions by Firas Issa, Qatar
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Love what I do
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Paris.
Never give up.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Be yourself.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Calm down.
Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Zapphaire Events, Nigeria
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? The driving force behind my work is the commitment to delivering stress-free wedding experiences while crafting unique events tailored to each couple’s style. Ensuring satisfaction, joy, elegance, and seamless execution is what fuels my dedication
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? If I were to marry or renew my vows today, I would still choose “Lagos, Nigeria”. Lagos is where I said “I do”, a city alive with culture, energy, and unforgettable celebrations. Its vibrancy, resilience, and spirit mirror love itself, layered, joyful, and endlessly growing
Do what you love and do it so exceptionally well that you become impossible to ignore. Be excellent at it.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Focus on what truly matters, the love you share. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but centering on what is most meaningful to you makes the journey joyful and memorable. Let your wedding reflect your story, your style, and your heart. Immerse yourself in every moment, savor the celebration, and let your love shine in its most beautiful, authentic form.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Putting the right structure in place early has helped me immensely. I channel my energy and love for life into every idea, letting creativity inspire innovation, while strategy and precision turn those ideas into a thriving, successful business.
Ghada Blanco, Lebanon
Majeda Kassir Bisharat, MY Event Design, Jordan
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? My family, their support, and their big hearts fuel my passion every day. All the beautiful things around me inspire me to create unforgettable, meaningful events.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? If I were to get married or renew my vows today, I would choose Lebanon. It speaks to my soul with its perfect blend of history, nature, culture, and warmth. The landscapes are breathtaking; mountains meeting the sea, charming villages filled with character, and cities rich with stories. It is a destination where love, family, and heritage come together effortlessly, creating the ideal setting for a celebration as meaningful as a wedding.
Dream big, work hard, and make it happen.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Enjoy the journey. Leave the stress and the heavy lifting to your planner.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I balance creativity and business by giving each idea space to grow, then grounding it with strategy and clarity. This harmony lets me lead with both imagination and intention.
Mohamad Ghayad, Le Mariage, Qatar
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? My constant vision is to elevate the standards of design experience for global user perception in the event industry, and set a benchmark of excellence that inspires, leaving a lasting impact in the world of events for generations to come.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Big Island, Hawaii
Challenge the status quo, sustain the core
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? To be honest, natural stress is a key point for planning a wedding; without it, the experience will never be so exciting and, of course, at an acceptable level. And we usually anticipate any risk that might face us, and we always think ahead of possible solutions and put them into our planning process.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? It all starts with a clear framework that lets you lead with imagination while you rigorously protect the business’s health.
Precious Thamaga, Precious Celebrations, South Africa
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? The driving force behind my passion is the belief that love deserves to be designed with intention. Weddings and events are not décor and logistics to me; I get to honour milestones. Every celebration I create is a love letter to legacy, culture, beauty, and human connection. What keeps me dedicated is the transformation: an empty room becoming a world, a concept becoming a feeling, a dream becoming a lived experience. I live for that magic, the tears, the stillness, the gasp when they walk in.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? My dream destination would be Lake Como or Tuscany. Not because it’s beautiful, though it is, but because it changed me. I went long before I founded Precious Celebrations, and it awakened something in me, a love for quiet luxury, for memory-rich experiences, and for the way beauty can touch the soul without saying a word.
If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? My biggest piece of advice for couples is simple: trust. If you’ve chosen to work with a wedding planner, then trust them fully, their expertise, their process, and their ability to protect your vision. Stress creeps in when couples try to plan and let go at the same time. The magic happens when you allow the professional you hired to do what they do best.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I don’t separate creativity and business; I let them coexist. My creativity shapes the vision, and my business acumen protects it. I dream big, but I execute with precision. That balance is intentional, disciplined, and the reason the magic works.
Rahul Kumar, Vivaah Celebrations, UAE
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? The pure joy and happiness that radiate from the couple and their guests. Seeing their smiles and knowing we have played a part in creating memories they’ll cherish forever is what fuels my passion every single day.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? The South of Italy — raw, unfiltered, and close to nature. Its warmth, hospitality, and effortless beauty speak directly to my soul. There’s something truly magical about its landscapes, architecture, and people that makes every celebration feel authentic and filled with heart.
Reach the highest summit, and help others climb to greater heights along the way.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Express yourself, trust the professionals, and take a back seat. Enjoy the show.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Creativity knows no boundaries. We allow our minds to gallop freely to imagine and envision the best for the celebrations. We then look into the feasibility, possibilities, availability of resources, and costs associated with realizing these dreams.
Rasha Badran, The Purple Chair, UAE
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Nature is my greatest source of inspiration. Its beauty is endless, and it always leaves me in awe. I draw from its landscapes, textures, and quiet harmony, and I translate those feelings into celebrations that feel organic, genuine, and deeply connected to their surroundings
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? I’ve always been deeply drawn to Itay: its countryside, its warmth, its music, and its effortless sense of romance. If I were to choose a destination today, it would be a historic Italian estate with breathtaking gardens, a place where heritage and natural beauty come together in the most captivating way.
Discipline shapes destiny.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Remember that a wedding is a celebration, not a performance. Focus on what’s genuine, sharing the moment with the people you love. That’s where the real beauty comes from.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I’ve learned to move fluidly between imagination and strategy. Creativity keeps the brand evolving, while the business side keeps it grounded. With time and experience, you develop an instinct for when to dream and when to direct.
Robert Hykl, Lebanon
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? The Art of Dreaming
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? I chose Lebanon and its hidden gems, returning to my heritage.
Keep dreaming!
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Beautiful things take time to bloom.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I dream freely, then ground those dreams in structure so they can truly rise.
Tapiwa Mukoti, RSVP Events, Zimbabwe
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? The call and purpose in my life is to make a difference and serve. For His glory!
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Italy – Florence or Capri
The beauty is unmatched, natural beauty without the noise.
Taste and see that the lord is good.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? You do this only once. Be true to who you are as a couple. Enjoy the day and leave the stress to me.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Attention to detail and building a strong team. It takes a village!
Tasneem Alibhai, Tasneem Alibhai Weddings & Events, UAE
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? The driving force behind my passion is deeply personal and rooted in refinement. My own wedding was planned in just 48 hours, without the beauty, details, or magic I had always imagined. That experience shaped my purpose: to create celebrations that feel intentional, elegant, and deeply emotional. Every wedding I design is a chance to bring to life the love story I once wished for, crafted with heart, grace, and the refined touch that defines TA Weddings & Events.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? If I could get married again, it would be in the Colosseum. There’s something soul-stirring about its history, strength, and timeless beauty. It represents resilience, a place that has stood through centuries, just like love that endures every season.
She designed a life she loved.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Trust the process and trust your planner. It’s easy to get lost in the details, but remember, perfection isn’t found in control; it’s found in flow. The best moments happen when you let go a little, stay present, and allow the people you’ve chosen to do what they do best. Your only job is to feel the magic; everything else will fall beautifully into place.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I balance it by staying grounded in gratitude. Creativity keeps me inspired, but humility keeps me focused. No matter how big the project, I remind myself it’s a privilege to be trusted with someone’s most important day. The art, the business, the beauty.
Zainab Alsalih, Carousel Events FZ LLC, UAE
What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? My passion comes from a genuine love for creating beauty with meaning. At the heart of every celebration is a story, an emotion, and a moment that deserves to be honoured thoughtfully. What drives me every day is the ability to transform love into an experience that feels personal, considered, and unforgettable.
If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Always Dubai. It is a city that embodies ambition, elegance, and possibility. Dubai speaks to my soul because it is where tradition meets modernity, where dreams are built with intention, and where I have created both my life and my legacy. It is a place that constantly inspires me to think bigger, create more beautifully, and celebrate love without limits.
Do it with passion or not at all.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Enjoy the ride. At the end of the day, nothing will matter more than the fact that you are there together, surrounded by your family and the people who truly matter, celebrating love. Everything else is simply part of the journey.
How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? By staying deeply connected to both vision and discipline. Creativity is what fuels my work, but structure, clarity, and strong decision-making are what allow it to thrive. I approach every project with imagination while running the business with purpose.
Ziad Raphael Nassar, ZRN Weddings, Lebanon
Please note that the DWP Congress and DWP Insider, while both part of QnA International, are independent entities with no dependency on one another.
The DWP Powerlist is curated through industry nominations and recommendations, assessed against defined criteria set by the DWP Insider Executive Committee. Final selections are made after careful scrutiny and are purely merit-based.
Inclusion on the Powerlist is not linked to participation in the DWP Congress. It is an annual recognition of exceptional work demonstrated within a specific year, which is why names may be repeated or newly introduced based on that year’s scope of work.