From Dubai’s Biggest Events to Finding the People Behind Them | Mark Benaicha

The events industry has changed dramatically over the last 25 years — but ultimately, it is still a people business. In this episode of The Backdrop, Michael MacLennan sits down with Mark Benaicha, Founder & Managing Director of ESMOS Recruitment, to explore a career that has taken him from recruitment and DJ'ing to some of Dubai's most iconic entertainment concepts, event agency leadership and ultimately specialist recruitment for the international events industry. Mark shares the story of how an unused stretch of beach at Atlantis became Nasimi Beach, how the original Full Moon Parties grew from just 150 people to thousands, and how those early experiences eventually led to Sandance and some of Dubai's biggest live events. Having worked directly in events before returning to recruitment, Mark explains why understanding the realities of the industry matters when finding the right people. The conversation explores the difference between staffing and specialist recruitment, what Mark looks for in candidates, the importance of company culture, and why honest conversations and genuine relationships remain at the heart of successful recruitment. Whether you work in events, recruitment, leadership or business development, this episode offers a fascinating look at how Dubai's events industry has evolved — and the people who continue to drive it forward. In this episode we discuss: • Mark's journey into recruitment and the events industry • The early days of Dubai's nightlife and events scene • How Nasimi Beach started at Atlantis • The Full Moon Parties and rise of Sandance • What the events industry has gained — and lost — as it has grown • Moving from event delivery into specialist recruitment • Why industry experience matters when recruiting • Staffing vs permanent recruitment and headhunting • What makes a great events industry candidate • Company culture, personality and finding the right fit • Why recruitment is ultimately about connecting people • The future of talent in the events industry Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 01:21 - Meet Mark Benaicha 03:32 - From Recruitment to Dubai's Events Scene 04:15 - How Nasimi Beach Started at Atlantis 06:45 - From Full Moon Parties to Sandance 08:24 - What Working in Live Events Really Teaches You 10:36 - What Has the Modern Events Industry Lost? 17:59 - From Event Agency Leadership Back to Recruitment 23:00 - Recruiting for the Events Industry 30:48 - What Makes a Great Events Industry Candidate 🎙️ Watch the full conversation with Mark Benaicha:    • From Dubai’s Biggest Events to Finding the...   Follow Mark Benaicha 🔗 LinkedIn   / markbenaicha   🌐 ESMOS Recruitment https://www.esmosrecruitment.com/ Visit Our Website 🌐 https://thebackdroppodcast.com/ Follow The Backdrop Podcast 🔗 LinkedIn   / the-backdroppodcast   📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebackdrop...