This man can help you propose on the Burj Al Arab

Jardel Silva, CEO and founder of Eventchic Designs, on running a 'dream factory' in Dubai and how the event business has evolved since the Covid pandemic

- Karishma Nandkeolyar

In Dubai, nothing is impossible," says a laughing Jardel Silva, the CEO and creative director of Eventchic Designs and the brain behind events that sometimes feel too good to be true.

Like the marriage proposal on the Burj Al Arab's helipad, which is 210 metres high. It featured a heart-shaped stage surrounded by red roses and a piano that was flown in on a helicopter.

"We have done two events on the helipad," recalls Silva. "I remember the first client telling me I would like to do the wedding proposal in a very unique place, and the budget is not a problem."

He explains that when you have a brief without financial constraints, it gives you permission to dream big. "You begin to think, how can I impress someone who has seen everything and has been everywhere?"

Once you have an idea, you can begin to work on logistics. "The biggest challenges when it comes to handling events," mulls Silva, "are the permissions needed from the authorities and sourcing the right suppliers working on your event."

Fortunately, he identifies as a problem solver, viewing obstacles as springboards rather than as setbacks.

The gregarious Brazilian worked in the hospitality industry in Dubai for 15 years only to realise that something was missing in this professional life. "I wanted to design moments, not just serve them," he said. His penchant to create moments needed an outlet for expression. In 2015, he decided to take the plunge with an event company. "I wanted to start something with my own DNA," he says.