The Middle East has long had a reputation for leading the way when it comes to fireworks, drone shows and aerial effects. With a constant drive for development backed by the resources and a demand from end clients to break world records and deliver bigger and better, the region is often cited as best-in-class for aerial displays.
One company that has played a significant role in the Middle East’s development in the sector is Groupe F. Having been involved in some of the world’s biggest sporting events, since the Barcelona Olympic Games back in 1992, the company has more recently lent its visual flair to some of the Middle East’s most important sporting occasions, from Special Olympics and Dubai World Cup to the Formula 1, Formula E and Esports World Cup.
“We’ve grown on very solid foundations over the years,” explained Groupe F’s Deputy Managing Director Nicolas Chavance. “We aim to create moments that are iconic, innovative, and, whenever possible, something people haven’t seen before.”
Over the past few months, Groupe F has been given what Chavance described as “some great opportunities to make the skies of Saudi Arabia come alive” – including the Spanish Super Cup, which was produced by SELA. “That was a very exciting project,” he recalled. “We had effects on the pitch, fireworks on the roof, and also a technical first for us: launching fireworks from the catwalk under the stadium roof, directly above the audience, which of course required extremely strict safety conditions.”
Similarly challenging was Groupe F’s work at the WWE Royal Rumble Riyadh, which saw the company collaborate with Strictly FX and SELA to display fireworks on multiple buildings in the centre of Riyadh simultaneously, while deploying a new generation of pyro drones and ‘never-seen-before’ pyro effects.
“Then there was the Formula E Grand Prix in Jeddah, with SELA and LAB2580,” Chavance recalled, reminiscing about the series of successful deployments. “That brought many different elements together: pyro effects on drones, the artistic direction and choreography for the drone show, fireworks on the water and on the Shangri-La, plus special effects along the track. It was a combination of different skills and technologies in a single experience.”
Despite the slowdown in events caused by the situation in the region, according to Chavance, there’s a real sense that a return to the boundary-pushing events that the Middle East is known for is not far away. “We can see things picking up again – especially in sports,” he reported, noting further recent projects including the ROSHN Saudi Pro League finale in Riyadh with Entourage, AFC Women’s Cup with SELA, and the School Football Tournament with the Ministries of Education and Sports.
“What these recent projects required from all of us was agility, resilience, listening, and strong teamwork,” he commented. “In a region that can be fragile, where logistics can become a daily challenge, you must work together, face situations as they come, and find smart, practical solutions.”
For Chavance and the Groupe F team, regardless of the project, the standard of delivery must be consistent. “Everything we do – whether we’re working on the roof of the PIF tower at KAFD or on a school’s stadium pitch – we maintain rigorous working practices, collaborating very closely with agencies, production teams, organisers, and TV directors. We are participants, we contribute, and we’re grateful to be there,” he commented. “We’re fully aware of the responsibility. Safety always comes first, for the people and for the event, no matter the scale.”
The Deputy Managing Director closed with a message of pride and positivity. “We’re genuinely proud that we were able to deliver ambitious events alongside very talented production teams. Across all these projects, we felt the same thing every time – audiences need joy, beauty, spectacle, kindness, and moments where they can come together,” he stated. “This period is teaching us resilience. We adapt, but we stay true to who we are. It’s a challenge, but it drives us to keep innovating, creating and making the sky shine.
“We’re proud to contribute and work with clients who trust us, always keeping in mind that people come first, and that the world remains fragile,” he concluded. “Now, we’re preparing what’s next. Brighter days are coming, bringing new opportunities that will demand even more innovation, more beauty, and the highest level of safety. We’ll be ready.”
Photos: Groupe F
