The Founder and MD of Candela Entertainment talks future trends, the value of mentorship and happy pastimes.

We last chatted a few years ago and discussed your love for dance and your involvement in Qatar’s entertainment scene. What have you been up to since then?

Since then, my journey has been about growth, expansion and creating opportunities. Candela Entertainment has evolved into a hub for talent, culture and experiences – from introducing international acts to nurturing local performers, to building signature concepts such as The Backyard and La Vista. I’ve also been focusing on bridging cultures through entertainment, bringing unique shows to Qatar while exporting Qatari-inspired productions abroad.

Beyond Candela, I’ve been consulting and collaborating on large-scale hospitality and entertainment projects, where my role is to align creative vision with operational execution. It’s about ensuring that the guest journey – from music to service to environment – is curated to the highest standard.

How are you seeing the entertainment and hospitality scene in Qatar developing and what do you see as the coming trends for the future?

Qatar has grown into one of the most dynamic entertainment destinations in the region, particularly after the FIFA World Cup. The future is all about fusion: blending international influences with local heritage, and creating immersive, experience-driven concepts. Audiences are seeking more than a show – they want storytelling, atmosphere and interaction. I see strong growth in boutique live venues, cultural collaborations and hospitality concepts that seamlessly merge dining, music and performance.

As an entrepreneur yourself, you are very much involved in helping others develop their own business ideas. How do you go about this and are there any ‘solid gold’ must-dos you can share when starting a business?

For me, mentorship and collaboration are key. I always tell entrepreneurs:

• Start with purpose. Know why you’re doing it, because passion carries you through the tough days.
• Build a strong foundation. Get your structures, finances and contracts in order early.
• Stay adaptable. Qatar’s market is fast-moving, so flexibility is your biggest advantage.
• Surround yourself with the right people. Talent and trust are everything in this industry.

What are three things in Qatar that, in your opinion, visitors shouldn’t miss?

Qatar is far from quiet – there’s always something happening. For outdoor live experiences, The Backyard Doha is a must, with international and local artists performing under the stars.

For nightlife, head to La Vista 55. Set on the 55th floor with skyline views, it’s a blend of dining, drinks and a global music journey – from Latin and Arabic fusion to Brazilian, Balkan and commercial hits. No matter where you’re from, you’ll hear something familiar.

And if you want to dive in yourself, Candela Academy offers dance and music classes. Salsa lovers will especially enjoy Salsa & Candela, a vibrant community with three weekly salsa nights.

Beyond these, Qatar shines with bars, live music venues and fine dining – all built on a tradition of warm hospitality.

On a more personal note, how do you like to relax during your downtime in Qatar?

My happiest moments are by the sea, whether it’s sailing, swimming or simply watching a sunset. I also love hosting friends and family at home – cooking, music and laughter are my ways to recharge. And, of course, dance is still my first love. Even in downtime, you’ll often find me moving to music, because it reminds me why I started this journey in the first place. ✤