Welcome to Gulf Standard Time with Richard. He brings you stories of innovation, reinvention, and self-development from the capital of ambition, Dubai. In this episode, he speaks with Taqua Malik, a Cultural Intelligence Advisor who helps global leaders navigate the complex, unwritten rules of the GCC. Taqua explains why "translating" your business plan often kills it , why socializing is actually a character test , and how to distinguish between "Western Luxury" and "Middle Eastern Luxury". If you want to succeed in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or Qatar, you need to understand the code that isn't written in the contract. In this episode, we discuss: The Unwritten Rulebook: The soft cues that don't break the law but break the deal. The "Translation" Trap: Why direct translation destroys your brand's soul . Socializing as Strategy: Why tea and small talk are the real interview. Legal vs. Cultural: Why winning a dispute legally can destroy your reputation permanently . Luxury Decoded: The difference between Western "Flash" and Arab "Privacy" . Regional Guide: The subtle differences between Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha .
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