Elissa Murtaza is an award-winning concert promoter, talent booker, and promoter, with a career that spans over 35 years of high-level music industry experience in the Gulf, Levant, Africa, and Europe. 

Recognized as a a pioneer in the music industry, Elissa is credited with launching and setting the standard for international touring throughout the emerging markets of the Gulf/Middle East region. Her innovative approach opened up territories to top artists and created a link between established markets in Europe and Asia. 

In 1993, she launched and managed Mirage Promotions, which has offices in Dubai and Bahrain. From these fully staffed operating offices, Mirage went on to become the market leader, consistently breaking its attendance records from 1993-2007, presenting major artists such as Beyonce, Jay Z, Aerosmith, George Michael, Ricky Martin, Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Shakira, Alicia Keys, Sting, Phil Collins, Pink and a host of others. Aside from booking and promoting artists under its banner, Mirage was the booker of choice for the government and corporate sectors in the UAE.   

In 2007, the US entertainment giant Live Nation acquired a 65% stake in Mirage, and the company was re-branded as Live Nation Middle East with its office in Dubai. Elissa continued as a minority shareholder and MD of the new company. During her tenure, the company went on to book top artists for blue chip events such as the Dubai Gold Cup, Meydan Racecourse launch, Abu Dhabi f1 GP concert series, Emirates Airline’s new destination launch galas worldwide, Qatar Airways’ launch into New York and Washington DC. Bahrain Civil Aviation 50th Anniversary, Balbeck Festival, Beittedine Festival, Port Ghalib launch Egypt, Bahrain F1 GP.  Live Nation Middle East also went on to book/ promote major artists such as Coldplay, The Killers, Guns n Roses, Paul Macartney, Elton John, Santana, and Maroon 5, to name a few. 

From 2006 to 2010, Elissa Murtaza’s expertise was recognized by Music World Entertainment, who appointed her to exclusively represent their artists in the Middle East, Africa, Greece, and other parts of Europe. This included high-profile acts such as Beyonce and Kelly Rowland, showcasing her ability to work with a diverse range of talents. 

Elissa Murtaza’s retirement from Live Nation Middle East in 2011 did not mark the end of her involvement in the music industry. She continues to make significant contributions as a corporate talent booker and co-producer of the new musical Cleopatra, demonstrating her enduring passion and commitment to the field.