Artaaj Events

Last week, the Artaaj team got together for a spot of team building, integrating the newest members of the team with the old. The teams were picked at random and everyone made their way to the lanes at Magic Planet, Mall of the Emirates. It didn’t take long for the competitive streaks to emerge! There must have been a secret competition for who was the noisiest, as every spare and strike caused an explosion of high-fives and congratulatory pats on the back. It was amazing to see some people progress from never having picked up a bowling ball in their life (or so they claimed) to ending up with fantastic scores.





After we had worked up a healthy appetite, we wandered down to Sezzam and were led to a great section overlooking the Ski Dubai slopes. While we waited patiently for dinner to arrive, prizes of Mall of Emirates shopping vouchers were awarded to the highest scoring team and the highest scoring individual. It was great to catch up outside the office and show the new staff what a fun and energetic team they have joined!

A rising star on the UAE cricket horizon, one of Artaaj’s very own team members, Khalid Iqbal, has been chosen to represent the UAE International Cricket Team. Khalid has always had a passion for cricket and was playing a regular game with his friends in a neighborhood parking lot where he was spotted by one of the ECB committee members who offered him a chance to try out for the team. Succeeding through several rounds of tryouts at the Zabeel, Zayed & Sharjah cricket stadiums, Khalid is now just one physical test away from playing to international glory. Congratulations Khalid, we are all proud of you!

Born in Siberia, Asel comes from Russia and Kazakhstan, and has lived in Dubai for a greater part of her life. She joins Artaaj as a proposals executive, with a strong background in hospitality, having worked in and studied hotel management and business administration in Switzerland. Her hobbies include horse riding, dancing and outdoor activities such as camping and fishing.

Joseph George hails from India, bringing along almost 9 years of core IT exposure ranging from network administration to infrastructure design and development. With an MSC in Information Technology, and certifications from Microsoft and Cisco, Joseph started his career as a lecturer in Mumbai, India for a year. He then moved to Dubai, focusing on software development and system analysis, progressing into IT Management. Besides IT, Joseph also has a passion for cricket and public speaking.

Artaaj Events recently organized the launch of “Dream Harbour” for Desert Dream Real Estate. The event featured a glittering entertainment lineup with international singer songwriter Enrique Iglesias, Lebanese superstar Elissa, R&B singer Raghav and celebrity host, Ian Wright, legendary Arsenal striker. Artaaj handled the event on a turnkey basis, handling every element including artiste sourcing and management, venue setup, full production for the concerts, and media and public relations.



Held at the Madinat Arena on 14th August, the private launch event targeted clients, key investors and stakeholders. Guests were greeted by paparazzi and photographed by the most important regional media. As guests walked into the main event area, they were greeted by a room enveloped in twinkling stars, changing colors ending in an elegant white stage, designed and lit up beautifully to reflect the brand. A sumptuous four course meal ensued after which Ian Wright greeted the invitees and introducing the first entertainment segment of the evening, Elissa.





After a scintillating performance, guests participated in a charity auction, where they bid for a limited edition Fender Stratocaster guitar signed by Enrique Iglesias. The highest bid by Sheikh Fahad al Thani was then matched by Mr. M. Khan, chairman, Desert Dream Real Estate and Investments, and a whopping AED 150,000 was committed to the Dubai Center for Special Needs.





Mr. M. Khan then thanked the generous donor and explained the vision of his company, introducing his team and the architect who designed Dream Harbour, the next tower at the Dubai Waterfront. This was followed by an energizing performance by R&B artiste Raghav and reggae performer Iceberg Slim.





It was finally time for the audience to welcome Enrique Iglesias! The curtains parted, the lights pulsated, and all they could hear were notes on an electric guitar before the backdrop flew down, revealing a fabulous backdrop, and of course, the artiste himself with his band. Amidst cheers and wolf whistles, the audience went wild! An incredible private show followed where Mr. Iglesias invited the audience to come forward and join him front stage, interacting with guests, taking requests, snapping photographs and enchanting everyone with his professionalism and charm. “Tonight, I will do whatever you want me to do……musically of course!” It was truly an unprecedented show, and a spectacular launch of Dream Harbour for Desert Dream!