The Story
In Muscat, a family office principal received 2 invitations for the same November week: a large investment forum and a modest dinner hosted by a young entrepreneur he had met once. He gave the forum an hour and the dinner a full evening. The entrepreneur raised his first round 2 years later. The principal's office was called first.

Cultural Principle
In the Gulf, presence is weighed against what it cost. Attending a crowded event shows you were there. Attending a small one, in a busy month, shows you chose to come.

Takeaway
When the diary is full, look at the invitations no one else will prioritize. The host of a modest table remembers every chair that was filled, and who did not need to come, but came.

Warmly,
Taqua