CURATED CONNECTIONS & INSIGHTS
The Exceptional helps design brands navigate the evolving landscape of the new Middle East.
EXCEPTIONALLY DIFFERENT
OUR DIFFERENCE
The Exceptional was conceived as the definitive partner for top-tier design brands seeking to navigate and master the dynamic landscape of the new Middle East.
The Gulf is redefining luxury, culture and innovation at an extraordinary pace. It is an era of unprecedented transformation and brands that want to thrive in this bustling region require more than intuition.
They need strategic intelligence, cultural fluency and elite connections — which is where The Exceptional excels.
A Gulf-wide Network
The Gulf design landscape isn’t monolithic – it’s a constellation of discrete power centres, each with its own codes, players, and opportunities.
Dubai – Where global gloss meets Emirati ambition
(Need to know: next gen designers, expat tastemakers, hybrid design studios)
Abu Dhabi – Institutional purpose meets royal commissions
(Need to know: Mina Zayed first movers, Louvre/Guggenheim insiders, government placemakers)
Riyadh – Vision 2030’s warp speed meets tribal aesthetics
(Need to know: giga-project leads, retail revolutionaries)
Doha – Cultural capital with sovereign fund backing
(Need to know: Doha Design District, Royal family patrons, culture authorities)
AlUla/NEOM – World heritage meets the city of the future
(Need to know: ultra-premium residential sourcing leads, hospitality movers, nomadic design collectives)
Bahrain – The Gulf’s artisanal archive and rising indie scene
(Need to know: Muharraq’s UNESCO artisans, Al Dana curators)
From Dubai’s star power to Doha’s cultural capital – we’ve mapped the connections that matter.
EXCEPTIONAL EXPERTISE
The Exceptional was founded on the belief that design brands deserve the same focus as fashion brands— often not the case in the Gulf, with agencies lazily repurposing fashion playbooks instead.
With our single-minded approach, we make it a priority to deliver insights, connections and influence for architecture,
design and interiors.
Our difference is clear:
We ensure our are clients are regionally relevant in the Middle East while staying true to their heritage. Our advice and introductions are elevated, effective and always based on desired outcomes.
We have:
Exceptional access to the right pool of people across the new Middle East — opinion formers and decision makers, as well as deep contacts with the trade and personal connections to taste-setting publications.
Our trifecta approach
THE NETWORK
The Advisory
The Advisory
It all starts with who you know.
In the Gulf’s design world, influence moves through unlisted numbers and unspoken alliances – circles we’ve spent a decade weaving into.
The Exceptional is unique in the unmatched breadth and depth of our connections – spanning every tier of influence across the region’s design, hospitality, and cultural spheres
This is the Gulf’s most complete and rounded design ecosystem.
The Advisory
The Advisory
The Advisory
Insight, access & strategies for success.
Storytelling That Lands
Pressure-test your narrative for cultural fit, then adapt your portfolio, pitches, and case studies to resonate locally, without diluting your brand’s essence.
Competitive Edge, Customised for Design
Audit your positioning against both competitors and regional expectations, then pinpoint (and own) the opportunities in your category
Brand Building Strategies
Increase your visibility (be it collabs, pop-ups or local partnerships) with confidence, backed by curated introductions, negotiation support, and operational guardrails.
We see this as a strategic partnership as much as it is advice, always focused on your ambitions and requirements.
THE SPACE
The Advisory
THE SPACE
A home for you and your brand.
Nestled within Dubai’s historic Umm Suqeim neighbourhood, The Exceptional Space offers a uniquely convenient and captivating event venue. Step into a world of European charm and elegance where lush gardens give way to a flower-adorned pergola, leading through to a spacious and light-filled Great Room, where sage flooring and terracotta pink walls create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The Exceptional Space beautifully mirrors the evolving styles of the new Middle East, making it the perfect backdrop for timeless events, where guests will always feel at home. Let us help you create unforgettable memories in a setting that seamlessly blends history with modern elegance.
This is a venue designed to showcase and highlight your brand at its very best.
Hosted Occasions
We know exactly who should be in the room, and make sure they want to be there with you.
The Exceptional has elevated the art of the hosted occasion, bringing together tastemakers and connoisseurs in organic and relaxed environments.
This allows for effective and informative moments, a curated gathering that removes the formality of an office or rushed coffee meeting.
These are occasions that create bonds and connections.
We specialise in crafting gatherings designed to meet our clients’ needs, such as:
- Intimate cocktails
- Dinner parties with curated guests
- Buzzy drinks evening with a broader mixed crowd
Whatever the format, we pride ourselves in uniting clients with targeted regional leaders who can truly help drive businesses forward.
Showcasing Products
We know the best way to understand a brand is to experience it.
That’s why we focus on products being in the right environment and in front of the right people — decision makers and KOLs with style.
We don’t cast wide nets; we extend exclusive access, ensuring that decision-makers and influencers experience your brand’s elegance in a way that resonates deeply.
Whether it’s a take-over of The Exceptional Space’s Walled Garden or beautifully packaged unboxing moments for curated guests, we seek imaginative and engaging ways for potential clients and partners to explore and understand the elevated and elegant offerings of our clients.