The Journey Begins: From Ordinary to Extraordinary

When I first encountered Alrayes Boat, it was simply another boat on the marina—a service with potential but little to distinguish it from others. The boat was functional but lacked a cohesive brand, and its operations, marketing, and sales were largely unstructured. I saw an opportunity not just to operate a boat, but to redefine what a marine experience could be. My vision was clear: to create a luxury, eco-friendly service that offered both comfort and sustainability, elevating Alrayes Boat from ordinary to extraordinary.

Challenges We Faced

Hurdles in Operations

Initially, Alrayes Boat struggled with basic operational flow. There were no set systems for guest management, sales tracking, or team communication, which led to inconsistencies in service. Staff responsibilities and processes needed clear definition, and we had no way to monitor or enhance guest experiences from booking through the trip itself.

Limited Brand Identity

Alrayes Boat had no unique identity to set it apart from the competition. Without a distinct brand or online presence, it was challenging to attract new customers and communicate the value of our service to potential guests.

Sales and Marketing Gaps

Sales were minimal and heavily reliant on traditional word-of-mouth. With no social media strategy or online booking capabilities, we were missing out on digital marketing opportunities, reducing our visibility in a growing market.

Building the Foundation for Transformation

To turn Alrayes Boat into a successful luxury experience, we set out with a strategy encompassing all aspects of the business—operations, branding, marketing, and guest engagement. Each stage in this journey was crafted to bring us closer to the ultimate goal: a memorable, eco-conscious experience for every guest.

Operations Overhaul: Establishing Structure and Efficiency

Moving Towards a Zero-Plastic Operation

One of the first initiatives I introduced was a commitment to sustainability. We began replacing single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternatives, opting for biodegradable and reusable items onboard. This not only appealed to our environmentally conscious guests but also positioned Alrayes Boat as a leader in sustainable marine tourism.

Implementing a CRM System

To manage guest relationships more effectively, we implemented a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. This system allowed us to:

• Track guest interactions and preferences
• Improve follow-up communication
• Enhance our ability to anticipate guest needs

The CRM system brought clarity and efficiency to our processes, ensuring every guest felt valued and heard.

Team Communication with Discord

To improve team coordination, I introduced Discord as a communication platform for our crew. This allowed the team to stay connected in real time, coordinate shifts, and address any issues immediately. By establishing this collaborative platform, we created a seamless workflow that was essential for delivering consistent service.

Creating a Unique Brand Identity

Developing a Brand that Embodies Luxury and Sustainability

Crafting a strong brand identity was central to our transformation. We focused on three pillars:

• Luxury: High-quality service with a premium experience
• Sustainability: Commitment to eco-friendly practices
• Exclusivity: A unique marine experience with personalized touches

This brand identity was reflected in every aspect of the boat, from the visual aesthetics to the guest interactions.

Designing a 360° Virtual Tour

To showcase the boat’s amenities and provide a feel for the experience, I developed a 360° virtual tour. This feature allowed guests to explore the boat virtually before booking, enhancing their decision-making process and increasing booking confidence. This tour also served as an effective marketing tool, offering a preview of the luxury and sustainability we provided.

Revamping Sales and Marketing

Launching a User-Friendly Website with Google Reviews

One of the pivotal changes was developing a user-friendly WordPress website. This platform included:

• Integrated Booking System: Guests could book directly from the website
• Google Reviews Integration: Displayed real feedback from past guests, building trust and credibility
• Instant Price Estimator: An online tool allowing guests to calculate trip costs before booking, improving transparency

With this website, Alrayes Boat not only became more accessible but also gained credibility in the eyes of new customers.

Building Social Media Presence and Engaging Content

To drive engagement, we revamped our social media strategy:

• Redesigned Instagram and created a LinkedIn profile to expand our reach
• Started a Google Ads campaign targeting potential customers in the region
• Committed to a weekly blog with SEO-optimized content, enhancing website traffic

These efforts significantly boosted our online visibility, allowing us to reach a broader audience while showcasing our unique brand values.

Enhancing the Guest Experience: Every Detail Counts

Creating a Multimedia Welcome Experience

To make every trip memorable, I created a welcome video and voiceover introducing guests to the boat, covering safety protocols and offering a warm, professional start to their journey. This multimedia approach set the tone for a seamless, premium experience from the moment they boarded.

Onboard Entertainment and Luxury Amenities

We also curated a selection of onboard entertainment options to elevate the guest experience:

• Luxury Board Games and Card Games: These added a touch of class and comfort to the journey
• Eco-Friendly Souvenir Shop: A mini onboard shop offered eco-conscious souvenirs, sunscreen, and essentials, giving guests a tangible reminder of their experience
• NFC Cards for Contactless Service: To streamline interactions, we introduced NFC cards, allowing guests to access services onboard with ease

These elements added a new dimension of enjoyment, allowing us to deliver an experience that was as memorable as it was sustainable.

Financial and Sales Growth: Building a Strong Business Model

Establishing a Dedicated Financial Account

To improve financial transparency, I set up a dedicated business account for all expenses, payroll, and revenue tracking. This allowed for efficient financial management and simplified monthly reconciliations, contributing to overall business stability.

Competitive Pricing Model and Expanded Sales Team

To attract a diverse range of guests, I introduced a flexible pricing model that adapted to seasonal demand and offered tailored packages. Additionally, I hired a sales expert who helped streamline the sales process and boost bookings. We also set up a point of sale at Ayla Marina, expanding our visibility and accessibility to potential guests.

Key Achievements and Results

Impressive Milestones Reached in Just Five Months

In a short time, Alrayes Boat achieved remarkable success:

• 178 Successful Trips: Delivered exceptional service and unique experiences, establishing a reputation for quality
• 53 Five-Star Reviews: Showcased high levels of guest satisfaction
• New Partnerships with Eco-Friendly Brands: Provided eco-friendly onboard essentials, aligning with our commitment to sustainability
• Reduced Paper Use: Shifted to digital systems for invoicing and receipts, reinforcing eco-friendly operations

Enhanced Market Presence and Financial Stability

Our strategic efforts in sales and marketing paid off:

• Increased online engagement through targeted campaigns and SEO-focused content
• Financial stability achieved through timely cost reductions and smart financial planning

These accomplishments not only solidified Alrayes Boat’s reputation but also positioned it as a leader in luxury marine experiences with a focus on sustainability.

Conclusion: The Impact of a Holistic Transformation

Through strategic changes across operations, branding, sales, and guest experience, Alrayes Boat evolved from a simple vessel into a premier, eco-conscious luxury experience. This case study illustrates how targeted, sustainable efforts can create long-lasting value and elevate a brand to new heights. Moving forward, I am committed to continuing this journey of innovation and partnership, ensuring Alrayes Boat remains a shining example in the marine tourism industry.

The Challenge: A Luxury Experience Out of Reach

In early 2022, I noticed a gap in the event entertainment market here in Jordan. The 360° Video Booth—a technology that captures people in an immersive 360-degree spin—was only available at high-budget events. These setups were expensive, inaccessible to the majority of event organizers, and reserved for exclusive gatherings. This limitation didn’t sit right with me. Event entertainment, I believed, should be joyful, inclusive, and accessible to all, regardless of budget. But creating an affordable version posed a serious challenge. How could we provide a high-quality, tech-forward experience that was also affordable enough for everyday events?

Our Solution: Making 360° Experiences Affordable for All

At 360 Dance Frame, we decided to build our 360° Video Booth experience from scratch. By designing and assembling our own booths, we cut out the high costs associated with imported, commercial models. This approach allowed us to keep our costs low and set a price of just 5 JDs per experience. Suddenly, our booth became something people could enjoy at weddings, birthdays, corporate gatherings, and community festivals—not just luxury events​.

Crafting Unique, Engaging Services for All Types of Events

Beyond the 360° Video Booth, we diversified our offerings to provide a variety of fun, interactive services that could cater to different types of events and budgets. Each service was chosen not only for its uniqueness but also for its ability to enhance any celebration:

1. 360° Video Booth - Our flagship service where guests can dance, pose, and capture every angle in an energetic, fully rotational video, perfect for sharing on social media.
2. Magic Mirror Photo Booth - An interactive mirror that lets guests add text, drawings, and effects to their photos, delivering both digital and printed keepsakes.
3. Swing Wings Instant Photos - A visually striking photo station with artistic wings, ideal for selfies and group photos that give an instant “wow” factor.
4. Fast Tattoo Service - Temporary tattoos that are quick, safe, and fun, offering guests a playful memory to take with them​​.

By offering a range of services at different price points, we created options that appeal to a wide variety of clients, from young families to corporations, helping us meet the entertainment needs of almost any event.

Problem Solving in Real-Time: Adapting to Unique Event Spaces

Another challenge we face regularly is adapting our services to different venues. Every location brings its own set of requirements—some are large, open spaces perfect for multiple booths, while others are small and intimate, needing compact setups. To solve this, our approach is highly customized:

• Weddings are often ideal for the 360° Video Booth, which adds a cinematic, memorable experience that’s perfect for couples and guests alike.
• Corporate Events benefit from the professional polish of our Magic Mirror Photo Booth, which provides an interactive yet sophisticated experience.
• Children’s Parties are perfectly suited for the Swing Wings Instant Photos and Fast Tattoo Services, keeping the young guests entertained and engaged.

Our team conducts a thorough assessment of each venue before the event, making sure that our setups don’t interfere with the natural flow of the space. Whether it’s securing an outdoor booth from the elements or ensuring stable power sources, our adaptability is key to delivering seamless experiences​.

Empowering the Team: Building a Culture of Initiative and Growth

Another challenge was how to create a strong, reliable team that could deliver these services with professionalism and enthusiasm. We hire mostly young people between 18 and 30 years old—individuals with energy, creativity, and a desire to grow. But working in events can be demanding, requiring both technical skills and great customer service.

Our solution is to empower our team with clear, growth-focused contracts and training:

• Flexible Contracts – Our team members receive fair pay with a combination of salary and commission, incentivizing them to go above and beyond. Contracts are designed to support both stability and personal growth, encouraging team members to take pride in their work.
• Work Rules and Training – We emphasize respect, responsibility, and professionalism in our work rules. Our training covers everything from equipment handling to client interaction, ensuring that our team feels confident and capable. We also foster a growth mindset, allowing team members to experiment with new roles and improve their skills over time​​​.

Our team’s commitment shines through at each event, and our supportive work culture has led to high employee satisfaction and outstanding customer service.

Enriching Experiences with Custom Music and Memorable Themes

Another challenge we identified was ensuring that each service was not only fun but also deeply engaging. To keep our experiences fresh and relevant, we created our own 360 Dance Frame song library, with tracks that cater to different event vibes:

• Romantic Moments – Songs like “360 Love Story” set a heartfelt, intimate tone for couples.
• High-Energy Celebrations – Tracks like “Spin It Up!” create a lively, party-ready atmosphere.
• Empowerment Anthems – Songs such as “Content Queens” resonate with influencers and social media lovers​​.

By using custom music that reflects the theme of the event, we enhance the overall experience, creating memorable moments that are perfectly tailored to each setting.

Looking Forward: Expanding Accessibility and Innovation

360 Dance Frame has expanded rapidly, now present at prime locations across Aqaba, including Ayla Marina, Aqaba Gateway, and the Arab Revolt Flagpole. Our future goal is to make these immersive, interactive experiences accessible across Jordan and eventually to other countries in the region. We are exploring franchising opportunities and collaborating with event organizers, aiming to transform how people experience celebrations.

We’re driven by a clear mission: to provide everyone, from children at a birthday party to couples at their wedding, with the chance to capture joy and share their stories. By continuing to innovate and adapt, 360 Dance Frame is redefining event entertainment and creating a lasting impact on our community​.

Introduction

In Jordan, the demand for aerial footage has been growing rapidly across sectors like media, tourism, real estate, and environmental monitoring. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities within this niche, I launched Drone in Jordan (DIJ), a first-of-its-kind online marketplace that connects buyers with licensed drone pilots. DIJ simplifies the process of obtaining high-quality aerial footage, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to the traditional methods that can be time-consuming and costly.

A major milestone in our journey came when we received a 20,000 Euro grant from EU’s BIG by Orange program, an initiative supporting innovative startups with high growth potential. This grant provided essential resources for platform development, marketing, and operational enhancements, accelerating our ability to launch and grow DIJ.

The Problem: Barriers in Accessing Aerial Footage

High Costs and Complex Permits
Obtaining drone footage in Jordan previously required costly permits, with fees around 500 JOD, often out of reach for individual content creators or small businesses. Additionally, navigating the permitting process could take up to 72 hours, creating hurdles for those needing timely aerial content.

Limited Access and Monetization Opportunities
The existing challenges limited the availability of high-quality aerial footage for local creators, media agencies, and businesses. Furthermore, drone operators had few channels to monetize their work, constraining the growth of the creative and commercial sectors in Jordan.

The Solution: Drone in Jordan (DIJ) - A Marketplace for Aerial Footage

Streamlined Access and Cost-Effective Services

Drone in Jordan was designed to address these barriers, providing a user-friendly marketplace where customers can access licensed drone footage affordably and quickly. By offering a variety of purchasing options—one-time payments, packages, or subscriptions—DIJ makes it accessible for a broad range of clients.

Revenue Model
Registered pilots earn 60% of each sale, while DIJ retains 40%, creating a fair revenue-sharing model that incentivizes high-quality footage. This setup has empowered photographers, videographers, and content creators by offering them a platform for sustainable income.

Leveraging the EU BIG by Orange Grant for Growth

Receiving the 20,000 Euro grant from BIG by Orange was transformative for DIJ. With these funds, we were able to:

• Enhance Platform Development: Invested in a robust, user-friendly platform with advanced search and customization features.
• Strengthen Marketing Efforts: Launched digital marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness and expand our reach across Jordan.
• Support Pilot Training and Compliance: Sponsored training and regulatory compliance workshops for drone operators, ensuring quality and adherence to local regulations.

This support from the EU not only provided financial assistance but validated DIJ as a high-potential startup, opening doors for additional partnerships and industry recognition.

How DIJ Works: Connecting Clients and Pilots Seamlessly

1. Efficient Booking Process
DIJ’s online platform allows users to browse, book, and pay for footage without dealing with the logistical challenges of permits and lengthy approvals. By registering and uploading content, drone operators make their footage available to clients across industries.

2. Customizable Access
Clients can tailor their purchases according to their needs, whether they’re media agencies requiring ongoing access to new footage or tourism companies seeking specific visuals. This flexibility has broadened DIJ’s appeal to a wide audience, from students and NGOs to government agencies.

Target Market and Unique Value Proposition

Media and Advertising: For media agencies and advertising firms, DIJ offers a streamlined way to integrate captivating aerial footage into their productions, saving time and resources.
Tourism Sector: Tourism companies utilize DIJ to showcase Jordan’s natural beauty, enhancing their marketing efforts and attracting global tourists.
Real Estate and NGOs: Real estate developers and NGOs benefit from easy access to aerial visuals for monitoring and promotional needs.

Through these sectors, DIJ has solidified its position as a vital asset in Jordan’s creative and commercial industries, filling a critical market gap.

Key Achievements and Market Impact

1. Expanded Access to Aerial Content

Since its inception, DIJ has provided affordable access to high-quality drone footage, lowering the entry barrier for local content creators and small businesses. This access has enriched the content landscape in Jordan, supporting creative projects and enhancing commercial outputs across sectors.

2. Empowering Jordan’s Drone Industry

DIJ has contributed to the growth of the drone industry by supporting local drone operators. By creating a dedicated marketplace, DIJ has helped turn drone operation into a viable business opportunity, fostering innovation and encouraging more talent to enter the field.

3. Efficiency and Speed

With DIJ’s streamlined platform, clients can obtain footage within a short timeframe, a significant improvement over the traditional 72-hour process. This efficiency is particularly valuable for media and production teams working under tight deadlines.

4. Supporting Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Monitoring

DIJ’s footage is often used in tourism and environmental sectors, where visual documentation is essential. By promoting Jordan’s landscapes responsibly and supporting environmental initiatives, DIJ plays a role in sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.

Challenges and How DIJ Overcomes Them

Building Brand Recognition

As a new business, DIJ initially faced challenges in establishing brand awareness. To overcome this, DIJ focused on targeted digital marketing campaigns, content creation, and partnerships with industry influencers, ensuring that our platform became recognized among our target market.

Regulatory Compliance

Navigating the regulations surrounding drone usage in Jordan required careful coordination with government bodies. DIJ established strong relationships with regulatory agencies, ensuring compliance and paving the way for smoother operations for both clients and drone operators.

Competing with Stock Libraries and Freelancers

To differentiate itself from stock libraries and freelance operators, DIJ emphasizes convenience, quality, and customization. Our platform offers clients a curated, reliable source for aerial footage while providing drone operators with a revenue-sharing model, creating value for both sides.

Conclusion: The Future of Aerial Footage in Jordan with DIJ

Drone in Jordan represents a new era in Jordan’s aerial footage industry, providing efficient, cost-effective, and accessible solutions for a growing range of clients. With the support of the EU BIG by Orange grant, DIJ has been able to accelerate its growth, improve its platform, and strengthen its impact on Jordan’s creative and commercial landscape. As we continue to grow, we’re excited to bring even more innovation to Jordan’s drone industry, supporting creative expression, commercial success, and sustainable development.