MAKING ANY SPACE
A LIVING PLACE FOR COMMUNITIES

This is what CELS Group is all about.

In this digital era, we are building human connections to any destination.

We make them Favourite Meeting Places

We always start with WHY.

We understand the unique essence of brands, address their specific needs and maximise their full potential.

From Why to Wow

Beyond Bricks—We Build Belonging

Crafting Community

Where Spaces Spark Stories

CELS Group’s reliable business units and global network open a universe of new opportunities, guiding clients every step of the way. Our work explores culture, technology, entertainment and art to create lasting experiences. We build deep relationships that foster a sense of belonging.

In everything we do, we share a common vision:

We strive to build deep relationships that foster a sense of belonging, making any venue a real, living place – a place to love.

our philosophy

We BELIEVE in bringing people together, in the power of human connections, and in the role of emotions in behavior.

In order to connect people, we create unique experiences through arts, cultural events, food and engaging activations.

Making a PLACE into a DESTINATION through an experience. An environment where people feel like they are part of something.  We call it a Favourite Meeting Place. A place where people feel at home.

REVENUE MILESTONE

In 2022, we achieved remarkable growth, completing 87 projects that span the Middle East and Europe. The peak of these efforts saw us realizing a robust revenue of 30,000,000 Euros. This wasn’t just a result of strategic planning or market dynamics; our dedicated team was at the heart of this achievement. Composed of both results-driven and incredibly passionate professionals, their tireless work has been the backbone of our success.

NAVIGATING THROUGH A PANDEMIC

In 2020, the pandemic prompted CELS Group to reimagine its operations. By 2022, internal audits reshaped its structure, vision, and governance, enabling a board to secure growth. This year, CELS acquired a 49% stake in ISRE, enhancing collaboration and opening new markets. Blending legacy and bold strategy, the group is set to innovate, diversify, and lead retail and events sourcing.

VENTURING INTO THE KINGDOM

Despite COVID-19’s curveballs, CELS Group charged into 2020 by planting our flag in Riyadh. We also unveiled AI Wasmi at Katara Cultural Village—an international garden festival that blossomed global vibes. To top it off, we boosted our design game by snapping up a 50% stake in DPM, bringing Milan’s chic and Dubai’s glamour into our interior-design and architecture playbook.

INTRODUCING CELS LIGHTS & DECOR

2019 culminated with a resounding resonance! Our strategic due diligence led to the acquisition of three luminaries in the lights & decor space, culminating in the inception of the industry-leading CELS Lights & Decor. This was also the year Doha pulsated to the beats of international artists like Katy Perry, Maluma, and Maroon 5, thanks to CELS Events.

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGICAL EVOLUTION

The subsequent year, we marked our venture into the tech realm. We acquired a 50% stake in VIAFONE Technologies, amplifying our capacities in customer engagement, loyalty mechanics, and digital insights. Our flagship 'CELS Platform' saw its birth during this period.

DOHA WELCOMES CELS

Mid-2016 witnessed our strategic expansion into Doha with CELS Events LLC. Amidst the “Gulf Rift,” we diversified our reach, operating directly from this dynamic city.

ACCELERATING GROWTH

Our business levels in Italy and UAE witnessed exponential growth, establishing a solid reputation by serving premier clients across Europe and the Middle East.

THE INCEPTION OF CELS EVENTS

Mid-2015, Dubai witnessed the launch of CELS Events LLC, mirroring our successful services in Italy but tailored to the cultural pulse of the Middle East.

FESTIVE LIGHTING & DECOR DEBUT

AFKAR LIGHTING Equipment Trading Co. LLC launched in Dubai in early 2014. AFKAR has gradually developed to become the most profitable business unit within the Group, playing a major role in the overall growth on a Group level.

Affiliation signed with MECSC+R.

TRANSITIONING TO CONSULTANCY

2013 was a milestone. C.E.L.S marked its Middle Eastern debut in Dubai. Its primary objective? To revolutionize the shopping center industry in the GCC region, enhancing engagement, loyalty dynamics, and customer retention.

THE ITALIAN PROLOGUE

Our story finds its roots in Turin, Italy. Here, Alessandro Gaffuri established For Events SRL, orchestrating live events, loyalty programs and even venturing into the radio industry with GRU Radio. This Italian chapter saw collaborations with renowned artists such as George Benson, al Jarreau, Simple Minds and critical affiliations with ICSC and CNCC.