Gulf Archives | Star Cat

How Qatar paved the Way for more Sports in the Region

The successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup by Qatar marked a pivotal moment for sports in the Middle East, setting a new standard and inspiring neighbouring countries to pursue similar ambitious goals. This transformative journey not only reshaped Qatar's landscape but also catalysed a sports revolution across the Gulf region, culminating (for the moment) in Saudi Arabia's bid for the 2034 World Cup and the expansion of events like Riyadh Season.

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.

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.

The Liquid Gold of the Gulf: Honey

In the Gulf countries, honey is not just a sweetener – it is liquid gold, a symbol of hospitality, and a connection to an ancient way of life that still thrives in the modern world. From the mountain valleys of Oman to the busy streets of Doha, honey holds a special place in both culture and commerce that might surprise many Westerners.

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.

What is Eid Al-Mawlid?

Eid Al-Mawlid is a special day for many Muslims around the world. It is a time when they celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad, who is very important in Islam. This holiday is filled with joy, prayer, and spending time with family and friends. But Eid Al-Mawlid is more than just a celebration - it is a chance for all of us to learn about different cultures and beliefs.

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.

The LinkedIn Goldmine