Yazeed Al-Tamimi is a visionary entrepreneur and the Founder & Managing Director (UAE & KSA Office) at Class Act Middle East, a renowned event management and recruitment company. With a strong passion for the events industry and a keen eye for market opportunities, Yazeed has successfully positioned Class Act as a leader in the field, delivering exceptional product quality and unparalleled customer service.
Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, Yazeed witnessed a gap in the market for high-quality event production and talent, which inspired him to establish Class Act in 2010. Since then, he has been dedicated to enhancing the events industry in terms of professionalism, innovation, and operational excellence.
Under Yazeed’s leadership, Class Act has been at the forefront of major events and functions, such as EXPO 2020, FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021, and the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. By offering class and professionalism to clients, Yazeed aims to enhance the image of the UAE and showcase the exceptional quality the country has to offer. Learn more through our interview below.
What’s the idea behind your company, Class Act?
The idea behind Class Act stems from my passion for events and my recognition of a gap in the market. Being born and raised in Abu Dhabi, I witnessed a lack of high-quality production and talent in the events industry. This inspired me to establish Class Act, a UAE-owned recruiting and event management company, in 2010. The core idea was to provide comprehensive solutions and fill the market gap by delivering exceptional production quality, event management, event operational plans, and customer service in the UAE. Our goal is to enhance the events industry in terms of professionalism, innovation, and operational excellence, ultimately positioning the UAE as a global leader in hosting large-scale events. By offering class and professionalism to our clients, we aim to enhance the image of the UAE and showcase the exceptional quality we have to offer.
How did you begin your career journey? Do you have some advice for beginners?
I began my career journey in the Corporate & investment banking sector, where I spent 12 years honing my skills and gaining valuable experience. While working in banking, I noticed a gap in the events industry, particularly in terms of Events Management and Events Recruitment. This realization led me to establish Class Act, combining my financial expertise with my passion for events. My advice for beginners is to always stay passionate and continue developing your skills. Be aware of market gaps and find ways to fill them with innovative solutions. Never stop learning and be open to new opportunities. Building a strong network and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your energy and enthusiasm is also crucial. Lastly, remember that success comes with challenges, but perseverance and focus on your objectives will help you overcome them.
What’s the goal of your company, Class Act?
The goal of the Class Act is to enhance the events industry in the UAE by delivering exceptional production, quality, and event management services. We strive to lead the way in operations and event execution, ensuring that our clients’ experiences are unforgettable. By being a part of major events and functions, such as EXPO 2020, FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021, and the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 2011 until last year 2022, we contributed to keeping the UAE on the map as a global destination for remarkable events.
Our focus is on providing comprehensive solutions for large-scale events, from event recruitment to event management and production, and ensuring that every aspect of our client’s vision is executed flawlessly. Ultimately, our goal is to exceed expectations and enhance the image of the UAE by hosting world-class events and proving that the quality we offer here rivals that of any other location.
How important are employees’ energy levels to the success of your company?
The energy levels of our employees are of utmost importance to the success of the Class Act. I firmly believe that passionate and energetic individuals are the main assets of any business. In the events industry, where we are constantly on-site and interacting with clients, it is essential that our employees match the enthusiasm and commitment we bring to our work. Their energy directly impacts the quality of our services and the overall experience we deliver to our clients.
Additionally, since we also hire freelancers and skilled crew for large-scale events, it is crucial that they are happy and motivated as well. Their energy and dedication contribute to the smooth execution of our projects.
How do you plan to motivate your team to go the extra mile?
Motivating our team to go the extra mile involves fostering a culture of recognition and reward. We believe in acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of our employees and providing them with opportunities for growth and development. Additionally, we create a collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation. By empowering our team members and valuing their contributions, we inspire them to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results.
What keeps your company moving forward even during challenges?
During challenges, what keeps Class Act moving forward is our unwavering commitment to our objectives and the passion we have for what we do. We stay focused on our goals and adapt our strategies as needed. Consistency and determination are key. We constantly evaluate the market and industry trends, ensuring that we are at the forefront of innovation. By embracing change and learning from challenges, we continue to evolve and grow as a company.
How do you think technology is leading to changes in businesses?
Technology is revolutionizing businesses in numerous ways. It has facilitated automation, streamlined processes, and improved efficiency. In the events industry, technology has transformed event management, registration, and communication systems, enabling smoother operations and enhanced attendee experiences. It has also provided new avenues for marketing and engagement, allowing businesses to reach a wider audience. Embracing technology is essential for businesses to stay competitive and deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Do you feel it’s helping your company grow?
Absolutely. Technology has been instrumental in the growth of the Class Act. By leveraging technological advancements, we have improved our event management processes, enhanced communication with clients and vendors, and expanded our reach to a global audience. We utilize digital platforms for marketing, registration, and data analysis, allowing us to optimize our services and deliver personalized experiences. Embracing technology has enabled us to stay agile and continually innovate, contributing to the growth and success of our company.
How is your company adapting to digitalization?
Recognizing the significance of digitalization in the events industry, we have integrated cutting-edge digital tools and platforms into our operations. Our team is well-versed in event management software that facilitates seamless coordination, registration, and attendee engagement. We also utilize social media and online marketing strategies to broaden our reach and connect with our target audience effectively. By embracing digital platforms, we have expanded our capabilities to offer virtual and hybrid event experiences, providing our clients with flexible options.
Do you use innovative ideas to be unique?
Yes, I believe in the power of innovative ideas to set Class Act apart and create a unique value proposition in the events industry. We constantly strive to bring fresh and creative concepts to our clients, ensuring that their events stand out and leave a lasting impression. By staying ahead of industry trends and exploring new technologies and approaches, we are able to offer innovative solutions that elevate the event experience. Embracing innovation allows us to showcase our forward-thinking mindset and demonstrate our ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. By doing this, we not only enhance our own brand image but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the events industry in the UAE.
Would you like to say anything else to our viewers?
I would like to encourage viewers to pursue their passions and take bold steps toward their entrepreneurial aspirations. Be resilient, continuously develop your skills, and stay aware of the market opportunities. The UAE is a vibrant and dynamic environment for business, and there are immense possibilities for growth and success. Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning, and never lose sight of your goals. With dedication, hard work, and a forward-thinking mindset, you can achieve great things.
What is next for Yazeed?
As an ambitious and forward-thinking entrepreneur, I always have my sights set on new opportunities and ventures. Currently, in addition to successfully running Class Act, I am in the process of opening a real estate firm in Dubai. With the booming real estate market in Dubai, I see immense potential in providing excellent services to both foreign and local investors. My goal is to showcase Dubai as an exceptional place to invest and live, leveraging my expertise and market insights to deliver valuable investment opportunities. By combining my financial background, passion for entrepreneurship, and commitment to excellence, I aim to establish a reputable and successful property investment firm that contributes to the growth and development of Dubai’s real estate sector. This new venture aligns with my broader vision of making a positive impact on various industries in the UAE and reinforcing the country’s reputation for economic vibrancy and innovation.
Connect with Yazeed Al-Tamimi on LinkedIn.
Find Class Act Middle East on LinkedIn.