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DWP Insider Powerlist 2024-25: Middle East & Africa

Middle Eastern weddings are known for their grandeur, opulence, and the ultra-luxe factor! Boasting of destinations such as UAE, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar and many others, Middle Eastern weddings set the benchmark for weddings fit for royalty. African weddings too are an epitome of culture, heritage, out of the box experiences and lots of fun!

Wedding experts from Middle East & Africa have played a huge role in putting the spotlight on the region and bringing it to the forefront of luxury destination weddings. Take a look at these top wedding & special event planners and designers from ME & Africa who have made tremendous contributions to weddings in the year 2024!

Adeola Okeshola, 2706 Events, Nigeria

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The joy of creating unforgettable experiences

Who/what do you owe your success to: Creativity and innovation: staying up to date with the latest trends, themes and technologies allows me to craft unique and memorable weddings

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Enjoy a simple day without alarms or deadline. Head to the spa and spend time with family

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: As a planner, one of life’s biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of flexibility and adaptability. In planning, things don’t always go as expected. Unexpected twists and turns can arise, and it’s crucial to be able to adjust and adapt quickly. This lesson has taught me to be more resilient, think on my feet, and prioritize effectively. By embracing flexibility and adaptability, I’ve been able to turn potential disasters into successes and deliver exceptional experiences for my clients

Arun Bablani, Vivaah Weddings, UAE 

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The joy of transforming dreams into unforgettable celebrations for my couples

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to the unwavering support of my family, my dedicated team, the trust of my clients, and the invaluable collaboration of my vendors, partners, and suppliers.

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal day off for me is spending quality time with my family and friends, sharing laughter, good food, and creating cherished memories together.

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: One of life’s biggest learnings for me has been that success is built on relationships and integrity—always value people, whether it’s family, friends, clients, or colleagues. Approach every interaction with authenticity, gratitude, and a willingness to help others, especially within the industry, as lifting others often leads to collective growth and success

Aseel Al Ansari, Weddings and Events Co, Bahrain

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Success

Who/what do you owe your success to: Hard work & vision

What is an ideal day off from work for you: With my horse

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Being patient

Benny Avisar & Tal Leibovitch, Sky Productions, Israel

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Creating extraordinary moments

Who/what do you owe your success to: To the Sky Production team’s hard work

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Spending time with family

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Everything is possible, there are no boundaries. Hard work and strong belief will make everything possible!

Bibi Hayat, Bibi Hayat Events, Kuwait

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Driven by a desire to create beautiful experiences

Who/what do you owe your success to: Our team and our clients

What is an ideal day off from work for you: My perfect day begins at home, surrounded by my family, savoring a peaceful morning with a warm cup of tea, meaningful moments catching up with my siblings and mother. Ideally, I’d also make time for self-care and engage in something creative, blending relaxation, connection, and inspiration

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: My biggest life lesson is that prioritizing myself and my well-being allows me to show up stronger for my work. I’ve also learned that not every client is the right fit, and setting boundaries is essential for maintaining balance and delivering my best

Bisola Borha, Trendy Bee Elite, Nigeria

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Creating happiness

Who/what do you owe your success to: Staying true to my signature and God almighty for giving me the strength and drive to keep going

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Going to a spa where I would be experiencing pure luxury and relaxation

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: What is worth doing at all is worth doing well

Bryan Tachie-Menson, Whitechalk Global, Ghana

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Looking forward to creating unforgettable memories for clients and the idea of bringing people together to make moments that they’ll cherish forever

Who/what do you owe your success to: God, family, teammates and my esteemed clients

What is an ideal day off from work for you: A good sleep, a thought-provoking business book to read and some soothing jazz music

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: One of life’s biggest challenges for me has been the importance of resilience. Life is all about bouncing back from challenges and learning from them. Every setback can teach us something valuable

Christina Holt, Wedding Concepts, South Africa

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: My love for people, cultures & personalized service

Who/what do you owe your success to: Following my intuition, being truly dedicated and a great team!

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Breakfast with a good coffee in one of Cape Town’s trending spots, walking with my dogs, cooking and just relaxing in our beautiful home

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: “Just do it” – what might be challenging or uncomfortable has often turned into great gifts in my life and proved that I can truly accomplish anything when I dare to

Dalia Taha, by.daliataha International Events & Wedding Planner,Qatar

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The one thing that drives me toward my passion is the desire to make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s through solving problems, sharing knowledge, or helping others achieve clarity, my purpose is rooted in being useful and effective in empowering people. 

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to the people who believe in possibilities—the creators, learners, and dreamers who engage with me. Every question asked, every challenge presented, and every moment of curiosity fuels my growth and sharpens my purpose. I also owe it to myself and how I believe in success and strength.

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal day off for me would be about balance and purpose. It would involve engaging in conversations purely for the joy of connection, diving into creative challenges, or exploring new ideas. It’s about stepping away from the routine and embracing moments that recharge and inspire.

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: One of life’s biggest learnings is that growth comes from embracing challenges, not avoiding them. The moments that feel the hardest often carry the most valuable lessons, shaping us into stronger, wiser, and more compassionate individuals. It’s important to view the setbacks as stepping stones and trust the process of perseverance.

Danielle Mallat, Caractere Events, Lebanon

Dina Khamiskoteiche, White Weddings & Events, Lebanon

Elias Sarkis, Trend Events by Elias Sarkis, Lebanon

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Being in this field, I’ve had the pleasure of traveling to numerous parts of the world, exploring various cultures and embracing diversity. This in return drives me to keep going and growing in my work

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to my perseverance. I never take no for an answer, I hold my head up high and keep pushing through any challenge

What is an ideal day off from work for you: What little free time I have I spend it in exploring new adventures in different cities or catching up with loved ones

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Don’t look back, every failure is a success in progress, so keep your eyes on your goal. Set your own trends and watch the world follow in your steps

Fadi Fattouh, Fadi Fattouh, Lebanon

Fabrice Orlando, Cocoon Events, Morocco

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Not having a strict routine

Who/what do you owe your success to: My hard work

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Day Off DOES NOT EXIST, when you run a wedding planner company

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Always expect the unexpected, it helps in remaining calm when you hit a storm

Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Zapphaire Events, Nigeria

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: One thing that drives me is the ultimate desire to bring joy to people’s lives

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to God Almighty and to the incredible support system around me; my family, my friends, my team, mentors, clients and industry colleagues

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Spending time with my family

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Excellence, Service and Giving! Be excellent at what you do. Learn to serve, serve people and offer value. Learn to nurture the gift of giving whether or not you have.

Janette Duah, Jandel Ltd, Ghana

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Satisfaction of my clients

Who/what do you owe your success to: My mother and mentor, Afi Amoro who is also the founder of Jandel Ltd

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Spending quality time with my adorable sons

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Your direction is more important than your speed

Koby Bar Yehuda, KBY Designs, Israel

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The ability to create unforgettable memories for people and transform spaces into magical experiences that inspire joy and connection

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to the trust of my clients, my incredible team, and the unwavering support of my loved ones who believe in my vision. Their encouragement fuels my creativity

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal day off includes spending time by the sea, indulging in good food, connecting with nature, and being with loved ones, where I can recharge my creative energy

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Confidence and success come from sharing your expertise openly, knowing that collaboration only strengthens creativity. True achievement lies in making your clients’ dreams the centerpiece, focusing on their unique stories and personalities to create something truly unforgettable

Majeda Kassir Bisharat, MY Event Design, Jordan

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Turning my vision into reality is what drives me. I love creating experiences that leave a lasting impact, seeing a concept come to life in a way that exceeds expectations

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to myself and of course my family, who have always supported and encouraged me. Their belief in me, along with the hard work and dedication of my incredible team, has been key to my success

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal day off for me is simple, yet fulfilling. I love spending time with my grandchildren—playing with them, hearing their laughter, and seeing the world through their eyes. Whether it’s playing games, reading stories, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment together, these moments bring me joy and allow me to recharge

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: One of life’s biggest learnings for me has been the importance of patience and adaptability.  It’s crucial to be patient and adapt to the people you interact with, especially in a business like event planning where relationships and communication are key. It’s all about understanding others, being empathetic, and learning how to navigate different situations with grace and flexibility

Mohamad Ghayad, Le Mariage, Qatar

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The ability to create immersive, unforgettable experiences that connect people across cultures, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact. It’s the thrill of seeing a vision come to life

Who/what do you owe your success to: My success is a result of the collaboration with a talented team and various contributing factors. The creativity, dedication, and expertise of my team are essential in bringing every event to life

What is an ideal day off from work for you: A perfect day off is laughter, good food, and moments with loved ones

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Life’s ultimate lesson: There are absolutely no limits – have faith in yourself. All dreams are within reach, and your inner strength surpasses all expectations!

Olivier Dolz, Olivier Dolz Wedding Agency, UAE

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: What drives me as a wedding planner & designer is the ability to create unforgettable, magical moments that reflect each couple’s unique love story. It’s the art of blending creativity, luxury, and personalization to turn their dreams into reality

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to a combination of factors: my unwavering passion for creating unforgettable experiences, my ability to build strong relationships with clients, and my dedication to constantly innovate in a competitive industry

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal day off for me would start with a peaceful morning at a cozy café, sipping coffee and soaking in some inspiration. I’d spend the rest of the day unwinding in nature, followed by a relaxed dinner with close friends or family, recharging and enjoying life’s simple pleasures

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: One of the biggest learnings I’ve had as a wedding planner is that true success lies in the details. It’s not just about grand gestures or lavish designs, but about carefully listening to each couple’s vision and creating something deeply personal that reflects their unique story. The little touches, thoughtful choices, and heartfelt moments often leave the most lasting impact

Paul Nasr, By Paul Nasr, Lebanon

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Creativity, striving not to be a success, but rather to be a value

Who/what do you owe your success to: Team work! That is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results

What is an ideal day off from work for you: A day where I can spend quality time with my family

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Hard work always pays off!

Precious Thamaga, Precious Celebrations, South Africa

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The honour and opportunity to create a different kind of legacy with unforgettable memories, and one-of-a-kind experiences for our clients. The artistry in curating personalised celebrations that reflect our clients’ vision fuels my passion

Who/what do you owe your success to: Definitely my resilience, experience, patience, a solid & strong network

What is an ideal day off from work for you: A sleep-in, spa treatment, a delicious lunch somewhere beautiful, followed by quality time with my loved ones and end the day with a movie and a glass of champagne

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: My biggest learning would be to never stop learning. To never underestimate your value and to treat your creative business as a business!

Rahul Kumar, Vivaah Celebrations, UAE

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: What drives me is the opportunity to transform dreams into reality, creating timeless celebrations that leave a lasting impact

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to relentless hard work, unwavering discipline, lessons from challenges, and the principles of integrity and perseverance that guide me towards my goals

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal day off for me is a seamless blend of passion and leisure—starting with an energizing workout, focusing on health and fitness, indulging in moments of gratitude, and letting creativity flow naturally, because when you love what you do, every day feels like a gift, not a grind

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: One of life’s biggest learnings I’d like to share is the importance of being a true leader, not just a boss. Lead by example, whether it’s through the smallest tasks or the biggest challenges, because by mastering every detail, you empower your team, inspire their growth, and create an environment where everyone thrives together

Rasha Badran, The Purple Chair, UAE

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The joy of gathering people around tables for all different occasions around the world

Who/what do you owe your success to: The artists in my family who have inspired me

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Nestled in nature, my favorite place to be!

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Create a brand identity that is distinct and easily recognizable, while staying authentic to who you are throughout the process. Strive for consistency, but ensure your brand remains relevant—avoiding the temptation to chase trends. 

Robert Hykl, Robert Hykl, Lebanon

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: My love for architectural design, textiles, textures, patterns, colors and the desire to create meaningful and unforgettable experiences

Who/what do you owe your success to: Every member of my family and my team

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Just sitting under the sun!

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Depend on no one but yourself!

Rula Talhouni, Glorybox Productions, Jordan

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: My love for transporting guests to a fantasy world

Who/what do you owe your success to: To all my clients who believed in me

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Chilling with my cats & dogs!

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Anything is possible if you go after it

Tapiwa Mukoti, RSVP Events, Zimbabwe

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: I believe I have a part to play in my industry. Towards my clients, my partners and my creator. If I make even a small difference in someone’s world while doing what I am passionate about, that’s a blessing!

Who/what do you owe your success to: My very strong support base – my husband, siblings and my precious children. They pray for me and encourage me daily. Also my team and my parents who gave me my integrity and drive to succeed

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Home with my family, mostly resting. Good food, wine and a big dose of my TV shows

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Nothing is impossible. If you put your heart, mind, passion and determination to it….you can do all things! Never stop, never quit. 

Tasneem Alibhai, Tasneem Alibhai Weddings and Events, UAE

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The one thing that drives me towards my passion is the ability to turn dreams into reality. Having not had the wedding I envisioned for myself, I deeply understand the importance of every little detail that makes a celebration truly special and personal

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to resilience, faith, and the unwavering support of my family and loved ones. My personal experiences, especially the challenges I faced during my own wedding, have shaped my passion and determination to excel in what I do

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal day off for me starts with a slow morning, sipping coffee while enjoying a peaceful moment to reflect and recharge. I love spending quality time with my family, exploring new places, or indulging in some self-care—whether it’s a spa day, reading a book, or simply taking a walk by the sea or in nature

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: One of life’s biggest learnings for me has been understanding that other people’s opinions are not my problem. I’ve learned to follow my heart, trust my instincts, and believe in myself, no matter the challenges or judgments I might face. Never give up on what sets your soul on fire, because the journey, no matter how hard, is always worth it when you stay true to who you are

Walid Baz, Baz Events, Lebanon

Yara Estephan, Yara Estephan Weddings & Events, UAE

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The joy of creating unforgettable moments and bringing people’s dreams to life drives me towards my passion. Seeing the emotions and connections my work inspires keeps me motivated every day

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to my family for their unwavering support, my incredible team for their dedication and talent, and my clients for trusting me with their most cherished moments

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal day off for me includes a good gym session, spending time by the sunset, and a night out with friends!

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: One of life’s biggest lessons for me has been the importance of resilience—embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and trusting that persistence pays off. And definitely enjoying every moment along the way!

Xaid & Yaxan, Xaya, Jordan

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Our deep passion for art, design, music, and entertainment fuels our unwavering commitment to excellence in everything we do

Who/what do you owe your success to: Together as business and creative partners, we owe all of our success to the love, encouragement and support of our mom and dad

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal day off starts with a slow, peaceful morning and a good workout to get the day going. Followed by spending the afternoon enjoying an outdoor lunch with family. In the evening, it’s all about quality time with friends—either watching a great movie or documentary or having a cozy, intimate dinner together

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Keep believing in yourself and your dreams, and remain consistent and persistent. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. The dedication, the unseen effort, and the countless hours of preparation are what transform potential into achievement. That’s where the true magic lies

Zainab AlSalih, Carousel Events, UAE

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The one thing that drives me towards my passion and craft as a wedding planner is the opportunity to create unforgettable moments that bring joy, happiness, and beauty into people’s lives

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to a combination of passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to my craft. But most importantly, I attribute it to my husband and three boys, whose support has been monumental

What is an ideal day off from work for you: My ideal day off from work is spending quality time at home with my family. The simple joy of creating something delicious, sharing laughter around the table, and being surrounded by the people I love most makes it a perfect, peaceful day

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: My biggest learning has been the importance of adapting to an ever-changing climate. The ability to embrace change, pivot when necessary, and leverage my strengths and resources has been key to navigating challenges and opportunities. 

Ziad Raphael Nassar, ZRN Weddings, Lebanon

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The one thing that drives me towards my passion is the joy of creating unforgettable experiences that turn dreams into reality. I find immense satisfaction in bringing unique and magical moments to life for couples, blending art, emotion, and innovation.
Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to a combination of factors: the unwavering support of my family, the incredible teams I’ve had the privilege to work with, and the trust of my clients who believed in my vision.
What is an ideal off from work for you: I don’t really believe in days off, because what I do is more than just work—it’s my passion, my life, and my everything. Every day feels like an opportunity to create, to inspire, and to connect with people. The lines between work and life blur for me, and that’s what makes it so fulfilling. It’s not about taking time away from it, but rather embracing it fully and finding joy in every moment of it. When I do have a day off, I’ll be sure to let you know!
What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: One of life’s biggest learnings for me has been the importance of adaptability and resilience. The journey is rarely a straight path, and challenges are inevitable. I’ve learned that embracing change, staying open to new ideas, and viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth are essential for long-term success.