The Company
ARLD (Aaron Russ Lighting Design) is the leading lighting design studio based in the Middle East. Specifically catering to the entertainment sector, providing show and architainment lighting solutions for special events across the region. Operating in the UAE, KSA and Qatar currently with the ambition to expand across Europe.
ARLD was founded in 2021 by award winning lighting designer, Aaron Russ. With over 30 years experience in the entertainment sector, 17 of those in the Middle East, ALRD is quickly becoming the preferred design agency for many creative outlets and event production houses throughout the region. Our extensive experience in the GCC gives us unmatched understanding of local cultures and protocols.
ARLD specialises in Theatrical, Broadcast, Corporate, and Live Entertainment lighting design.
From intimate stages to global broadcasts, we have the expertise to shape atmosphere, emotion, and focus through light. Our work blends artistry with technical mastery, balancing creative vision with the precision required in high-pressure live environments. Whether crafting subtle moods for theatre, dynamic looks for live sport, or refined lighting for corporate events, we approach every project with the same attention to detail and commitment to excellence. At ARLD, we believe light is more than illumination, it’s a language that defines space, enhances storytelling, and connects audiences to the moment.
We offer a full design studio, with offline virtual programming through use of advanced computer simulation software, tailor made specifically for live events. This gives clients the ability to see what their show will look like, down to the last programmed cue, before a foot has even been stepped in the live venue. This gives us the ability to pre produce an entire event, eliminating the cost of live programming and lengthy rehearsal days, onsite production time can be reduced dramatically.
ARLD is independent of any supplier or manufacturer, giving us the freedom and ability to chose the specific instruments that best suit the needs of each individual events requirements. This allows for better budget control and also better integration with any scenic or theming element. The end result is a clean, tidy and seamless execution of an event, from brief, to concept, to show.
ARLD is your ultimate partner for creating memories, stirring emotions and perfectly timed show execution.
Our Founder
Aaron Russ, a luminary in the field of lighting design, boasts an impressive accolade as the esteemed recipient of the TPI Lighting Designer of the Year Award. This prestigious honour serves as a testament to his exceptional talent, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment to excellence. From his humble beginnings in New Zealand in 1994 to his current position as a leading figure in the global entertainment industry, Aaron’s journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of perfection and an insatiable thirst for creativity.
With a career spanning over three decades, Aaron has garnered acclaim for his unparalleled skill and artistry across a diverse spectrum of projects. From commanding concert stages to shaping the atmospheric landscapes of theatre productions and television broadcasts, his visionary designs have captivated audiences worldwide. His ability to seamlessly blend artistic flair with technical precision has earned him a reputation as a master of his craft, with each project bearing his distinctive mark of brilliance.
Over the past 17 years based in Dubai, Aaron has illuminated some of the most iconic and high-profile events on the international stage. From the awe-inspiring Al Wasl Dome at Dubai Expo 2020 to the electrifying energy of the Dubai World Cup Closing Ceremony, his work has consistently dazzled and delighted audiences. Among his notable achievements are lighting the Red Sea International Film Festival, the Presidents Cup Football Tournament, and the historic live mass of Pope Francis, each showcasing his unparalleled skill and creativity.
As a visionary collaborator and trusted partner, Aaron continues to push the boundaries of possibility, reshaping the landscape of lighting design with his innovative approach and boundless creativity. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his passion for pushing the limits of what is possible have solidified his status as an industry trailblazer, inspiring admiration and respect from peers and audiences alike. In a world where every project is an opportunity for artistic expression, Aaron’s work stands as a shining example of the transformative power of light.
