Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC is a Dubai-based rigging and stage engineering firm serving entertainment venues, touring productions, government events, and architectural installations across the Middle East, with exclusive regional distribution of SIXTY82, Doughty, Liftket, and Globestock equipment.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersDubai, United Arab Emirates
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC does
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC is a Dubai-based rigging and stage engineering company, founded in 2008–2009 by Alan Thomson as the Middle East subsidiary of UK-headquartered Unusual Industries Limited. The company provides solutions for suspending, elevating, and moving equipment, scenery, or people across entertainment, events, exhibitions, architectural, and TV/film applications, serving clients in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Azerbaijan. Its core technical capabilities span automation (Kinesys K2 control desk with pre-visualization and crash detection), DMX-controlled winches, real-time load monitoring via Libra and Eilon cells, and multi-axis kinetic motion control systems of up to 34 axes, with notable permanent installation work including the Ain Dubai capsule system.
The company's business model operates across four revenue streams: equipment rental (hoists, truss, spreaders), equipment sales (including exclusive regional distribution for SIXTY82 trussing in UAE/Oman/Saudi Arabia, plus Doughty Engineering, Liftket, and Globestock PPE), professional rigging services (production rigging, automation, temporary installations), and engineering/design services (structural calculations, shop drawings, bespoke solutions). Pricing is project-based and quote-driven rather than publicly disclosed. The go-to-market is enterprise field sales targeting venues, production companies, government entities, touring productions, malls, hotels, and conference centers, with repeat business and venue partnerships (Coca-Cola Arena, Etihad Arena, ADNEC) anchoring the pipeline. Notable flagship projects include EXPO 2020 AL Wasl Plaza rigging, Ain Dubai capsule installation, Beetlejuice at Etihad Arena (230 motors), G42 Supercollider SUPERCHARGED at ADNEC (298 hoists and 800m truss installed in 24 hours), and government ceremonies including Qasr Al Hosn opening celebrations. The company is privately held with no external institutional investment and operates from a 1,200 sqm facility at Dubai Investments Park 2.
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC
- Legal name
- Unusual Rigging & Engineering LLC
- Website
- https://unusualrigging.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC is a Dubai-based rigging and stage engineering firm serving entertainment venues, touring productions, government events, and architectural installations across the Middle East, with exclusive regional distribution of SIXTY82, Doughty, Liftket, and Globestock equipment.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Entertainment Rigging and Stage Engineering Services
- NAICS
- Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing (532490)
- SIC
- Services-Miscellaneous Equipment Rental & Leasing (7350)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Rigging & Truss Services (Ground/Overhead, Automation) (THAHAEAD)
Keywords
Where Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dubai
- HQ country
- United Arab Emirates
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices1 record
Markets served
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Equipment Rental: Rental of rigging equipment including hoists, truss, spreader systems, and related rigging hardware for temporary installations and events.
- Equipment Sales: Sales of rigging equipment including trussing products (SIXTY82 exclusive representative), PPE equipment (Globestock), and Liftket products.
- Rigging Services: Professional rigging services including production rigging, automation, temporary installations, and permanent installations for entertainment, events, exhibitions, and architectural applications.
- Engineering and Design Services: Rigging design engineering including structural calculations, shop drawings, and bespoke solutions for complex installation requirements.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC provides rigging and stage engineering solutions for suspending, elevating, or moving equipment, scenery, or people in entertainment, events, exhibitions, architectural, TV and film applications across the Middle East. The company delivers turnkey services spanning equipment sales, equipment rental, professional rigging services, and permanent installations, supported by in-house design engineering, structural calculations, and shop drawings. It also operates as an exclusive regional distributor for premium rigging brands including SIXTY82 (trussing), Doughty Engineering, Liftket, and Globestock (PPE).
Product overview
Unusual Rigging & Engineering LLC is a rigging and engineering services company that operates as a single unified service offering. Their core services include Equipment Sales, Rental Services, Rigging Services, and Permanent Installations. They specialize in providing unique solutions for suspending, elevating, or moving equipment, scenery, or people for both temporary events and permanent infrastructure projects. The company also distributes and represents equipment brands including SIXTY82 trussing and staging products, Doughty Engineering hardware, Liftket equipment, and Globestock PPE.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Quantifiable outcome
- Delivered 298 hoists and 800m of truss in 24 hours for G42 Supercollider event
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- SIXTY82coreAppointed as exclusive representative for SIXTY82 trussing and staging product range in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Unusual Rigging provides distribution, supervision, and customer advisory services for the full product range.
- Doughty EngineeringcoreLong-standing partnership for distribution of Doughty rigging hardware and equipment. Companies exhibit jointly at PLSME trade shows.
- LiftketcoreUnusual Rigging is a distributor for Liftket products including technical training and equipment supply.
- GlobestockcoreAgreement to distribute Globestock PPE equipment range in the Middle East for the first time, making professional safety equipment accessible to riggers in the region.
- Supercollider (Part of Zinc Media PLC)coreProduction company engaged for G42 SUPERCHARGED event at ADNEC. First-time collaboration resulting in unprecedented scale and complexity of automation and rigging scope. Unusual worked directly with Supercollider's technical director to deliver complex kinetic staging.
- Hyundai Engineering and Construction / POMAcoreContracted by POMA (who received the contract from Hyundai) to install all 48 capsules on the Ain Dubai observation wheel. Custom winch system design and precision installation for world-record breaking attraction.
- Proactiv EntertainmentcoreEngaged for Beetlejuice theatrical production at Etihad Arena. Delivered high-precision automation and rigging solution under extreme time pressure, transforming arena into theatrical environment.
- Flash EntertainmentminorEvent presenter engaged Unusual for Spanish Riding School performance at Emirates Palace. Designed and constructed 60m x 18m ground support structure for LED screens and lighting.
- ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre)coreVenue partner for multiple large-scale events including G42 Supercollider, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, WFES, and UMEX. Rigging operations delivered in close coordination with venue's technical and operations teams.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- TAIT: World leader in staging, automation, and kinetic solutions for live entertainment and architectural installations. Overlaps with Unusual's Kinesys-based automation and touring production work at the high-complexity end.
- PRG (Production Resource Group): Global entertainment production services company offering rigging alongside lighting, video, and audio. Broader incumbent with overlapping rigging capabilities but as part of a much wider production services portfolio.
- Columbus McKinnon: Global manufacturer of hoists, rigging, and material handling equipment including the CM Entertainment Technology brand. A broader industrial incumbent supplying much of the underlying hoist technology Unusual deploys.
Others
- Doughty Engineering: UK manufacturer of rigging hardware and equipment, long-standing distribution partner of Unusual Rigging. Comparable as a supplier within the same rigging ecosystem with overlapping buyer relationships.
- SIXTY82: Dutch manufacturer of trussing and staging products for which Unusual Rigging is the exclusive distributor in UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Not a direct competitor but a critical partner with overlapping customer base.
Direct peers
- Movecat: German manufacturer and integrator of motion control and rigging automation systems for entertainment. Highly relevant given Unusual's deployed Kinesys/Movecat-style automation rigs for kinetic shows.
- Stageco: Belgium-based specialist in staging, rigging, and structural engineering for large-scale events and touring productions. Directly comparable in the events and entertainment rigging niche with an international footprint.
- Rigging Services (UK): UK-based rigging contractor serving entertainment, theatre, and event markets. Comparable service offering and customer base, though primarily UK-focused; functions as a like-for-like UK peer.
- Unusual Rigging Ltd (UK parent): The UK-headquartered parent company of Unusual Rigging & Engineering LLC, offering the same rigging, automation, and engineering services globally. Most directly comparable peer as the source of the Dubai entity's IP, talent, and methodology.
Regional players
- Hoist & Crane Service Group: Middle East-based provider of crane, hoist, and lifting solutions serving industrial and construction projects. Regional peer with overlapping heavy-lifting capabilities but a different end-market focus (industrial vs. entertainment).
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC social profiles
Digital presenceUnusual Rigging and Engineering LLC financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC
What does Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC do?
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC provides rigging and stage engineering solutions for suspending, elevating, or moving equipment, scenery, or people in entertainment, events, exhibitions, architectural, TV and film applications across the Middle East. The company delivers turnkey services spanning equipment sales, equipment rental, professional rigging services, and permanent installations, supported by in-house design engineering, structural calculations, and shop drawings. It also operates as an exclusive regional distributor for premium rigging brands including SIXTY82 (trussing), Doughty Engineering, Liftket, and Globestock (PPE).
Is Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC a public or private company?
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC founded?
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC was founded in 2009. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC based?
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East region.
How does Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Equipment Rental is the primary driver. The others are equipment Sales, rigging Services and engineering and Design Services.
Who are Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are TAIT, PRG (Production Resource Group) and Columbus McKinnon. Others are Doughty Engineering and SIXTY82. Direct peers are Movecat, Stageco, Rigging Services (UK) and Unusual Rigging Ltd (UK parent). Hoist & Crane Service Group is listed as a regional player.
Does Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC have an API?
No public API is recorded for Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC.
What industry is Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC in?
Unusual Rigging and Engineering LLC's product category is Entertainment Rigging and Stage Engineering Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAHAEAD, Rigging & Truss Services (Ground/Overhead, Automation). Its NAICS code is 532490 and its SIC code is 7350.