Middle East: The Arab Gulf Region

This chapter explores Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices in the Arab Gulf, drawing on 30 years of combined experience by the authors in the UAE, KSA, Qatar, and Oman. The Gulf’s unique socio-political and economic contexts marked by super-diverse populations, hierarchical structures, and state-driven policies shape how DEI is interpreted and implemented in organisations. National visions such as UAE Vision 2031 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 drive inclusive initiatives that align with both local priorities and global DEI frameworks. However, unlike Western approaches, Gulf DEI policies emphasize gender participation and workforce localization (e.g., Emiratisation), often overlooking intersectional factors such as nationality and legal status. The chapter presents case studies from leading organisations. These examples underscore how Gulf companies integrate cultural, religious, and demographic realities into DEI strategies. Ultimately, the chapter argues that inclusive leadership in the Gulf requires contextual sensitivity, navigating between global DEI agendas and local institutional norms. It calls for greater attention to intersectionality and employee voice in shaping inclusive workplaces in super-diverse, non-Western settings.