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Warning: A failed joke during a client presentation highlighted the growing need for cross-cultural communication training.

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3 Comments
hall.nina
hall.nina2h ago
Back in 2019 at a conference in Dubai, I attempted a joke about the dirham to lighten the mood. My delivery was so awkward it came across as mocking their economy. The client from Saudi Arabia actually thought I was criticizing regional policies, lol. I spent the next hour clarifying through a colleague who understood the nuance. That crash course in cultural sensitivity was more effective than any training module. Still cringe when I think about it, but hey, live and learn.
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hall.paul
hall.paul1h ago
In 2019, Gulf economies were robust enough to withstand a dirham joke.
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andrew_foster92
But was it really that serious? lol
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