(A)part of them is a part of us? An empirical study on the sense of belonging of western-raised MENA diaspora professionals in the Gulf region

This study explores the professional and personal experiences and the search for a sense of belonging of western-raised Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) professionals in the Gulf region. Through semi-structured interviews and theme-analysis, this study investigates how these individuals ( N = 17), who have a western upbringing and MENA origin, navigate through the cultural and professional landscapes of the Gulf while also sharing a collective search for a sense of belonging. This study lays the foundations of future research on how and why MENA diaspora professionals experience a strong affinity for the Gulf’s cultural familiarity with their ancestral home country’s heritage. It then highlights the ongoing impact of postcolonialism on the development of identity and sense of belonging of the MENA diaspora. The study underscores how postcolonial legacies influence the identity negotiations of the MENA diaspora, revealing persistent tensions between western upbringing and regional cultural expectations. Finally, by providing insights from the authors’ insiders perspectives on the unique experiences of western-raised MENA professionals, this study contributes to the broader understanding of diaspora entrepreneurship, integration and the search for a sense of belonging within the context of the Gulf region