Interviews

Crafting Unforgettable Moments

by BTM

Wed, 07 August 2024

Mushtaq Ali, the Founder and Creative Director of Celebrations Events

When it comes to creating unforgettable experiences, few do it better than Mushtaq Ali, the Founder and Creative Director of Celebrations Events W.L.L. With a remarkable journey that spans more than two decades, he has transformed the event planning industry and now brings his expertise to Bahrain. In an exclusive interview for our India in Bahrain supplement, he shares the story behind his company, his motivations and what sets Celebrations Events apart.

Mr. Ali’s journey is rooted in his background as an interior designer. “Space planning comes to us by default. When I see a space, the mind starts working full time,” he explains. “This natural inclination towards spatial design seamlessly translated into event planning, where the challenge and excitement lie in transforming spaces within tight timeframes.

“Whether it is 10,000sqm or 2,000sqm, an event such as a wedding has to happen usually within 10 days. The ability to quickly conceptualise and execute large-scale designs has been the primary driving force behind the success of Celebrations Events, I believe.”

Originally based in Kolkata, India, before moving to Pune, Celebrations Events has now expanded its footprint to Bahrain, a strategic move driven by the desire to tap into the Middle Eastern market. “We chose Bahrain to be our second point where we could operate,” Mr. Ali explains. “Thanks to the help of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), this expansion has allowed us to bring 18-20 years of experience to a new market.”

One of the key motivations for his transition from interior design to event planning is the fast turnaround time and the diversity of projects. Unlike lengthy interior design projects that can take months or even years, event planning offers the thrill of rapid transformation and immediate results. This dynamic environment keeps Mushtaq and his team constantly engaged and creatively challenged.

At the heart of Celebrations Events’ philosophy is the commitment to turning clients’ dreams into reality. Mr. Ali emphasises the importance of understanding the clients’ vision and desires. “Our clients are so well-travelled that they have already decided where they will have the wedding and exactly what they want,” he notes. This client-centric approach involves listening closely to clients and leveraging Celebrations Events’ vast experience to tweak and enhance their visions.

His team also places great importance on working closely with reliable vendors and forming strong relationships with hotels as they mutually know what is needed to deliver.

When it comes to destination weddings, Bahrain offers a unique allure. Mr. Ali highlights the country’s pristine beaches and the support from the BTEA and Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). “Bahrain as a country is an obvious place to host a wedding, especially as hotels here are absolutely flexible,” he says. The support from local authorities has been instrumental in making Bahrain an attractive destination for weddings and events.

As Celebrations Events continues to grow, he remains optimistic about the future. “We assure you that we will be able to deliver 90 percent of what you dream and think about, whether it’s a social or a corporate event,” he states confidently. “We will do whatever is within our means to make things happen.”

#FEATURES #INTERVIEWS #INDIA IN BAHRAIN #BTM AUGUST 2024 #INDIA IN BAHRAIN 2024 #CELEBRATIONS EVENTS