Business Archives

Women Empowerment in local Saudi Companies, example: alfanar

"Women empowerment in Saudi Arabia is non-existent.” I used to hear this statement frequently in Western boardrooms and conferences. Then I visited Saudi Arabia recently, and what I witnessed not only challenged this deeply entrenched misconception but completely shattered it. My visit to alfanar, a leading Saudi company, revealed a story that rarely makes headlines in Western media – a story of genuine transformation, empowerment, and progress driven by Saudis for Saudis.

Essential Steps to Win Your Middle Eastern Clients Through Marketing in 2025

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the Middle East, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, marketing strategies must adapt to stay ahead of the competition. As we look towards 2025, businesses aiming to capture the attention and loyalty of Middle Eastern clients need to embrace culturally sensitive and technologically advanced approaches. This post will explore the essential steps to win over your Middle Eastern clients through marketing, leaving your competition in the dust.

A Western Leader’s Guide to Saudi Project Management

With Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 in full swing, the opportunities are immense, even for Western companies. Yet, the challenge of navigating this unique business landscape while managing team confidence and cultural competence can feel overwhelming. We show you 3 solutions for an immediate impact to your business.

From Struggle to Success: 3 Steps to finding new Clients in the Middle East in 2025 without spending hours in front of your laptop

Wondering why your attempts to get a bigger share of the Middle East market aren't yielding results? You are not alone. As a Cultural Strategist who has helped hundreds of Western Commercial Professionals navigate this dynamic market, I have seen the same patterns of struggle repeat themselves. I used to deal with this until I found a better system. So here is the good news: Success in the Middle East is not about working harder – it is about working smarter.

Visionaries in the GCC

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a group of six countries in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. In recent years, these countries have developed ambitious plans, called "visions", to transform their economies and societies. Let's explore what these visions are all about and why they matter.

The Role of Small Talk in Middle Eastern Business Culture

In the Middle East, business is not just about deals and numbers. It is about relationships. And one of the key ways to build these relationships is through small talk. This might seem strange if you are used to getting straight to business, but in Middle Eastern culture, small talk plays a crucial role. We explore why small talk is so important in Middle Eastern business culture and why it is worth getting help to understand these topics. Let's explore why small talk is so important in Middle Eastern business culture and why it is worth getting help to understand these topics.

Understanding “Wasta”

If you're doing business in the Middle East, you might hear the word "Wasta" a lot. But what does it mean? And why is it so important? In this post, we will explore the concept of Wasta in Middle Eastern business culture. We will also discuss why it is crucial to understand and how you can get ongoing support from the Star-CaT team.

5 Common Arabic Greetings and Why They Matter in Business

In today's global business world, understanding different cultures is key to success. If you are working with Middle Eastern clients, learning a few Arabic greetings can make a big difference. This post will teach you five common Arabic greetings and explain why it's so important to learn about cultural differences.

Cracking the Code: How to Effectively Advertise Across the Gulf Markets

With a combined population of over 57 million and some of the highest per capita incomes globally, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states present an enticing market for businesses. However, this region comprising the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman is also incredibly diverse and complex when it comes to advertising.

From cultural sensitivities and language differences to regulations and media consumption habits, each country has its own unique nuances that must be carefully navigated. A one-size-fits-all advertising approach simply won't cut it if you want to achieve real impact and returns across the Gulf.

One crucial piece of advice for business in Saudi

Landing that lucrative contract or big deal in Saudi Arabia requires much more than an impressive pitch deck and competitive pricing. One of the most crucial pieces of advice for doing business in the Kingdom is this: take the time to deeply understand the culture and build strong relationships before ever pitching your products or services.

Why is this so important? Saudi Arabian culture places an extremely high value on personal connections, trust, and commitment.

The LinkedIn Goldmine