The business operations of Research Connect Pty Ltd in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates encompasses advice to agencies in those countries that fund research at universities. In addition to research advisory services to the respective funding agencies (Saudi Ministry of Higher Education and Emirates National Research Foundation), opportunities have emerged involving direct contacts with a number of client universities in the Middle East. These universities are potentially interested in research collaboration with Australian universities and placement of higher degree students, as well as training courses. For this venture, Research Connect proposes to operate through a portal with the trade name of “The Big Country”.