Our Founder’s Story – Plan Z Events

Meet Shafaq Salman, the creative mind and heart behind Plan Z Events. Born and raised in Dubai, Shafaq grew up in a world filled with vibrant culture, rich traditions, and a deep appreciation for aesthetics. She attended a Catholic Church school, then went on to university, where she lived in the dorms before stepping into the corporate world. But something was missing—she craved creativity, emotional connection, and the ability to design experiences that leave a lasting impact. That’s when she took the leap and started Plan Z Events in 2021, turning her passion into a full-fledged business.

From Humble Beginnings to Scaling a Vision

Plan Z Events didn’t start with a fancy office or a big team—it started with Shafaq, a vision, and a whole lot of hands-on work. From blowing balloons to tying cable ties and fish wires, she did it all, ensuring every event was crafted with love and precision. Over time, her passion attracted like-minded individuals, and she scaled Plan Z into a team of creative professionals who share her belief that events aren’t just gatherings—they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

A Passion for Travel, Design & Meaningful Moments

Beyond events, Shafaq is a traveler at heart. Exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and soaking in inspiration from around the world fuel her creativity. Whether it’s the elegance of Parisian soirées, the vibrance of an Indian wedding, or the minimalist beauty of Japanese design, every journey adds a new layer to her event planning style. She also has a deep love for baking, photography, and cooking, all of which influence the way she brings aesthetics and storytelling into every event.

For her, travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about feeling them. The way a cozy café in Italy makes you feel at home, or the way a sunset over Santorini creates an unforgettable moment, these emotions inspire the way she designs events. Every experience is an opportunity to bring fresh ideas into her work, ensuring that no two events ever feel the same.

What Makes Her Stand Out? The Power of Being Young & Fresh

One of her biggest strengths is her youthful energy and fresh perspective. Unlike traditional event planners, she brings a modern approach, adaptability, and a deep connection with clients.

When it comes to weddings, she truly understands what couples want. Being close to their age, she connects with them on a personal level, making them feel heard, understood, and stress-free throughout the planning process. She knows that a wedding isn’t just an event—it’s the start of a new chapter, and she ensures that every detail reflects the couple’s unique love story.

In the corporate world, her young, dynamic energy sets her apart. She’s seen as a breath of fresh air, bringing bold ideas, modern concepts, and a creative touch to corporate events that make an impact. Whether it’s a product launch, a gala, or a conference, she injects an innovative spirit that elevates every event beyond the ordinary.

The Best Part of It All? The Impact.

For Shafaq, the most rewarding part of this journey isn’t just the design or execution—it’s the client’s reaction. Knowing that for each client, their event is a once-in-a-lifetime memory, while for Plan Z, it’s another project, is what keeps her passionate about making every event unique and meaningful. The feedback, the happy tears, and the memories created fuel her drive to keep growing, evolving, and crafting experiences that people cherish forever.

One of her favorite moments? A bride once told her that the wedding felt like a dream she didn’t even know she had (and then she cried happy tears). That’s the magic she strives to create—events so personal, so well-crafted, that they leave people speechless. At the end of the day, it’s not just about throwing a great event; it’s about making people feel something real. Onwards and upwards!