뉴스노믹스 김지혜 기자 |
On 23 August 2025, the Cultural Talk for Diversity series hosted a compelling virtual session exploring the intersection of religion and business in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and North Africa.
This monthly event brings together participants and speakers from diverse backgrounds to share cultural insights and practical advice for navigating global business environments with sensitivity and respect.
The session featured Sarmar, who offered a nuanced perspective on the role of religion in the region.
Samar emphasized that religion is central not peripheral to daily life in the GCC and North Africa, and that a deep understanding of faith and religious traditions is essential for anyone engaging professionally in the region. Using the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a case study, she highlighted the country’s efforts to move beyond stereotypes of religious totalitarianism and embrace religious pluralism.
A central theme of the talk was the evolution from “coexistence” to “belonging.” While coexistence implies merely living alongside others without conflict, belonging reflects deeper integration and mutual respect. Samar illustrated this with examples such as a single location in the UAE housing a synagogue, a church, and a mosque, symbolizing interfaith unity and dialogue.
She argued that successful business in the region relies on appreciating these dynamics and respecting the local cultural and religious landscape.
Practical guidance was a key feature of the discussion.
Samar encouraged participants to view differences in time perception not as unprofessionalism but as opportunities to cultivate trust and relationships.
She emphasized respecting prayer schedules and adapting business practices during Ramadan as essential ways to honor local values.
Her insights framed religion not as an obstacle, but as a foundational aspect of meaningful engagement in the GCC and North Africa.
The session also highlighted the UAE’s progress in fostering religious pluralism.
Despite being a young country of 54 years, the UAE has made strides in embracing diversity, combating Islamophobia, and promoting interfaith dialogue.
Agreements such as the Abraham Accords demonstrate the country’s commitment to coexistence, while practical examples like multiple houses of worship reflect its dedication to inclusion.
Samar stressed that belonging and the freedom to practice faith authentically are core to this progress.
Participants contributed to a rich discussion, sharing personal experiences and asking questions about cultural integration, interfaith understanding, and workplace considerations.
Insights included navigating multicultural environments, the influence of social norms, and strategies to address stigmatization of Islam through personal interaction and advocacy.
Comparisons were made with Ireland and other multicultural contexts, highlighting the importance of respecting privacy and historical sensitivities around religion.
The session concluded with a shared recognition that understanding religion in the GCC and North Africa requires both cultural humility and active learning.
Samar recommended further resources for those seeking deeper knowledge of Sharia law, interfaith relations, and the socio-religious fabric of the region.
Her talk served as a call to action for professionals to move beyond transactional business approaches and embrace the rich, interwoven cultural and religious contexts of the Middle East and North Africa.
Cultural Talk For Diversity is a Platform for Understanding and Inclusion.
It aims not to deepen divides but to build a platform where diverse perspectives can be heard with respect and openness—fostering a culture of inclusion.
For those interested in joining future Cultural Talk for Diversity sessions or contributing as speakers, please visit:
Cultural Talk Group:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14364384/
Participant Registration for next month:
https://tinyurl.com/cultural-talk
For those interested in joining future Cultural Talk for Diversity events or collaborating as a speaker or participants, feel free to reach out.* Contact: janekimjh@naver.com
Monthly sessions are held via Zoom and are open to individuals passionate about diversity, inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding.Stay tuned for the next session and be part of a global conversation that bridges cultures and fosters mutual respect.
