Re-Directing Thought

I have learned a lot since I have been in Dubai about thought processes per culture. Some go by "book smarts" some go by internal thought. Internal thought is the key that makes things hum if you will. Since most of the culture here within the UAE isn't really Arabic but Indian, it gives a harmonious feel about how business runs from the outside. It all has to do with adapting to oneself rather than the surroundings. I have found out that I don't necessarily need to adapt to their lifestyle in order to get respect but adapt to myself.
A lot can be seen how they are from the inside in this part of the world. On the Western side, you are given the first 10 seconds of the first impression by how you look on the outside. Since this part of the world has language and cultural barriers, it isn't necessarily how you look by what you wear but how you look on the inside if they want to do business.
Since this is the case, in order to survive, it is a must to re-think yourself and re-invent yourself. As Yoda would say in the Star Wars saga, "Unlearn what you have learned."