WHO WE ARE
THE EXCEPTIONAL BLOSSOMED FROM FRIENDSHIPS,
NEW & OLD
Since 2017, our villa has been a hub for the international design community with visiting friends and colleagues frequently stopping by. Over a cocktail, the conversation would naturally turn to the region's dynamic landscape and we saw people’s desire to have a deeper understanding of the local market. As these interactions continued, our network was also growing throughout the Gulf, revealing a interconnected community of creators and clients. We realised we were providing a valuable, informal advisory service, and recognised a clear need for a more structured approach.
This was the genesis of The Exceptional, built directly from those genuine exchanges and the relationships they fostered.
Our Story
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.
A Gulf-wide Network
Dubai — Where global gloss meets Emirati ambition
Next gen designers, expat tastemakers, hybrid design studios
Abu Dhabi — Institutional purpose meets royal commissions
Mina Zayed first movers, Louvre/Guggenheim insiders, government placemakers
Riyadh — Vision 2030’s warp speed meets tribal aesthetics
Giga-project leads, retail revolutionaries
Doha — Cultural capital with sovereign fund backing
Doha Design District, Royal family patrons, culture authorities
AlUla/NEOM — World heritage meets the city of the future
Ultra-premium residential sourcing leads, hospitality movers, nomadic design collectives
Bahrain — The Gulf’s artisanal archive and rising indie scene
Muharraq’s UNESCO artisans, Al Dana curators
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.