Designer / Event Art Director

Overview

We are seeking an exceptional Designer / Event Art Director with a deep understanding of Emirati culture and a passion for creating luxurious, modern majlis environments for royal and VIP events. This unique role combines traditional Arabian aesthetics with contemporary design principles, focusing on temporary event spaces that leave a lasting impression. The ideal candidate will bring creativity, cultural sensitivity, and technical expertise to craft unforgettable experiences that honor local traditions while embracing innovation.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape extraordinary experiences for discerning clients, blending the rich tapestry of Emirati culture with cutting edge design principles. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in creating memorable environments that showcase the best of traditional and contemporary Arabian hospitality.

We invite you to apply and be part of our innovative team.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design modern majlis environments for high profile temporary events, ensuring a perfect blend of traditional Emirati elements and contemporary luxury.
• Develop comprehensive design plans, including detailed layouts, color schemes, and material selections that align with client expectations and cultural requirements.
• Create engaging mood boards and sample layouts to effectively communicate design concepts to stakeholders and clients.
• Collaborate closely with FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) rental suppliers in the UAE to source and curate appropriate items for each event.
• Incorporate authentic local traditions and elements into designs, such as ghaf leaves, desert inspired motifs, and other culturally significant features.
• Design bespoke tablescapes that reflect the essence of Emirati hospitality while maintaining an air of understated luxury.
• Attend client meetings and stakeholder presentations to pitch design concepts, gather feedback, and secure approvals.
• Oversee the implementation of approved designs, ensuring attention to detail and adherence to the original vision throughout the setup process.
• Stay current with emerging trends in Emirati design, event planning, and luxury experiences to continuously innovate and exceed client expectations.
• Manage project timelines and budgets effectively, balancing creativity with practical constraints.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience (5+ years) in designing high end event spaces or interiors, with a focus on majlis environments for royal or VIP clientele.
• In depth knowledge of Emirati culture, traditions, and design aesthetics, with the ability to seamlessly integrate these elements into modern contexts.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in luxury event design, particularly within the UAE or wider GCC region.
• Excellent understanding of the FF&E rental market in the UAE, including established relationships with key suppliers.
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or similar tools for creating detailed layouts and 3D visualizations.
• Outstanding creative skills, with a keen eye for color, texture, and spatial composition.
• Experience in creating professional mood boards, sample layouts, and presentation materials.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with high profile clients and stakeholders.
• Fluency in English; Arabic language skills are highly advantageous.
• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Event Design, or a related field; relevant certifications are a plus.
• Flexibility to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing client requirements.
• Willingness to work extended hours when necessary, especially during event setup and execution phases.

Location: Abu Dhabi

Contract based position.