McDonald’s Bahrain turns market volatility into a flavour opportunity with Buy the Dip campaign

In response to ongoing global trade tensions and post-tariff market instability, McDonald’s Bahrain, via Leo UAE, has launched a tongue-in-cheek campaign that puts a flavorful twist on financial advice by encouraging consumers to “Buy the Dip.”

Partnering with creative agency LEO UAE, the brand leaned into investor jargon with a literal take: a celebration of its dip sauce portfolio. From BBQ to Hot Mustard to the fan-favourite Big Tasty dip, this campaign invites customers to invest in a different kind of dip, one guaranteed to pay off in taste.

The campaign came to life through billboards in Bahrain’s financial district, banners across trading platforms and financial news websites, and a smart in-app mechanic that reflects real-time market movement. For a limited time, McDonald’s introduced dip bundles on its app with prices pegged to the Nasdaq index, meaning when the market dipped, so did the sauce prices.

“The market dips, and so do we,” said Ahmad Jasser, General Manager at McDonald’s Bahrain. “When tariffs affected the stock market, we saw an opportunity to join the conversation in a fun, relevant way. This campaign turns a moment of volatility into a reminder that not all dips are bad news.”

Victor Haffling, Associate Creative Director at LEO UAE, added “Historically, McDonald’s dip sauces have consistently outperformed stocks, in flavour and satisfaction.”

While McDonald’s is quick to note that this is not financial advice, it’s definitely condiment advice.