The idea behind The MAKAN
A place is remembered
by how it made you feel.
The MAKAN curates warm, thoughtful gatherings designed around connection. Every table, sound and detail works together to create a night that stays with its guests long after it ends.
01
Intimacy
Exclusive guest lists and considered seating keep every gathering personal, never crowded.
02
Detail
From the candle light to the closing track, every detail is chosen with intention.
03
Memory
Designed for the story guests tell afterwards, not just the hour they spend at the table.
How it all started
Elie Georges
Founder
After nearly two decades in Saudi Arabia — from Jeddah to Riyadh — Elie had built a life around people: friendships, connections, and a gift for bringing people together. Somewhere in the routine, one question stayed with him: why do weekends always end too fast?
We all spend the week chasing deadlines, answering emails, sitting in traffic, and saying, “Let’s catch up soon.” But somehow... soon never comes.
Every weekend brings a new theme, new flavors, new music, new people, and one mission: escape the routine, recharge your soul, laugh a little louder, dance a little longer, and eat without counting calories — you'll start again on Sunday anyway.
No VIP attitudes. No awkward networking. No pressure.
Because life isn't measured by the weekdays you survive. It's measured by the weekends you never wanted to end.
The sound of The MAKAN
Bassoulou
Music Director & Resident DJ
With more than three decades at the intersection of music, entertainment and hospitality, Bassoulou brings together the experience of an artist with the vision of a music director, entertainment executive and creative consultant.
From building the musical identity of leading venues and destinations to directing entertainment programs, managing international artists, developing events and overseeing technical production, his work connects music, people, brands and experiences into one complete creative vision.
As a DJ and producer, Bassoulou continues to evolve through contemporary electronic music, with releases and collaborations across the international music scene. His production work across Afro House, Melodic House, Deep House and other electronic styles reflects the same philosophy that has defined his career: creating music with identity, emotion and purpose.
Today, his focus extends beyond the DJ booth. Through music production, artist development, sonic identity, entertainment strategy, venue programming and technical production, BASSOULOU works with brands, hospitality groups, artists and destinations to create experiences that are distinctive, memorable and built to last.
The experience is extensive. The music continues to evolve. The vision is always moving forward.
In collaboration with
Empress
Restaurant · Catering & Events · Riyadh
Select gatherings under The MAKAN are hosted in collaboration with Empress — a refined new destination for hospitality in Riyadh, built around fine dining, brunches, sunset socials, private events, weddings and catering.
Where The MAKAN brings the guest list, the theme and the atmosphere, Empress brings the room: burgundy silk, black marble and candlelight, in a space designed for mornings, sunsets and nights that were never meant to be ordinary.
One Empress, every occasion.