* The Shabang blog

Fresh noise (04)

Takes on marketing in the Gulf - strategy, creative, and performance. No fluff, occasional caps lock.

21 Jul 2026
Strategy

Ramadan 2027 is won in October

The brands that dominate Ramadan lock strategy, casting, and media six months out. Here is the timeline that actually works.
08 Jul 2026
Performance

TikTok Shop hit the GCC. Move.

Checkout inside the feed changes the maths for every e-commerce brand in the region. The early window will not stay open long.
24 Jun 2026
Influence

Your restaurant needs fewer influencers, not more

Fifty foodies with a free meal will not fill your tables. Five right voices with a real story will. Here is the maths.
11 Jun 2026
Creative

Arabic-first creative: stop translating, start writing

Most "Arabic" campaigns in the UAE are English campaigns wearing a translated caption. Audiences notice. Here is how to fix it.