How Inherited Traumas Shape Professionalism in Middle Eastern Workplaces

Yesterday, I had a chat with a European friend navigating business in the Middle East for over a year. Her observations about the UAE and Saudi Arabia—places I’ve lived and worked in—struck a chord. She pointed out a paradox: while the region is brimming with opportunity, professional interactions often carry an undercurrent of emotional tension. It made me reflect on something I’ve often wondered: Are we, as a generation in the Middle East, unknowingly carrying the weight of inherited traumas into our workplaces?

The Emotional Bomb

From being on the receiving end of late-night phone calls filled with executive rage to witnessing emotional outbursts in boardrooms, I’ve seen this play out time and again. It sometimes feels like everyone is carrying an emotional bomb, unpredictable but inevitable in its detonation. The question isn’t if it will explode, but when, where, and why. What’s even more pressing is this: where do we draw the line between professionalism and projecting our unresolved insecurities at work?

 We Are Swimming in Generational Trauma

Well, to a certain extent, we are undoubtedly swimming in generational traumas. The notion of inherited trauma isn’t just an abstract idea. Mark Wolynn, in It Didn’t Start With You, and Beverly Engel, in It’s Not Your Fault, have delved into how trauma from previous generations can be passed down, influencing behaviors, decision-making, and relationships. While this phenomenon isn’t exclusive to the Middle East, our region’s history of wars, colonialism, and societal upheavals makes us particularly vulnerable to its impact.

In the Middle East—a region shaped by wars, colonialism, and societal upheaval—generational trauma often finds its way into professional spaces. You see it in ways that feel all too familiar:

• Emotional outbursts over minor crises that seem out of proportion.
• Chaotic decision-making, where urgency bulldozes strategy and “just get it done” becomes the default.
• Authority clashes, with leadership leaning more on dominance than collaboration.
• Passion tipping into chaos, where loyalty and fervor become unproductive without checks and balances.

These aren’t just reactions to the moment; they’re often reflections of the emotional baggage we all bring to the table. In many ways, the workplace has become a stage where unresolved generational wounds play out in real time.

The Cultural Tapestry and Emotional Legacy

Well, every country in the Middle East contributes its own patterns to this shared narrative:

• The UAE’s polished diplomacy often masks an undercurrent of pride in its meteoric rise, which can lead to defensiveness under criticism.
• Saudi Arabia’s fiery passion is paired with a strong sense of hierarchy, driving innovation but also clashing with bureaucratic realities.
• Levantine resilience defines Lebanese, Palestinians, and Jordanians, but high pressure often brings emotional outbursts to the surface.
• Egyptian humor, a cultural tool for diffusing tension, can sometimes hide deeper frustrations that remain unresolved.

These traits don’t define individuals, but they highlight broader patterns shaped by our shared histories and collective struggles.

The Workplace as a Mirror

Professional environments often act as a reflection of personal and generational struggles:

• Micromanagement isn’t always about perfection—it can stem from inherited survival strategies demanding control.
• Entitlement in leadership might reflect deep-rooted cultural or familial power dynamics.
• Team drama often mirrors unresolved cultural or personal conflicts that spill into the workplace.

As I said earlier, I’ve experienced these firsthand—from boardroom outbursts to executives who think midnight rants are a norm. Over time, it’s become clear that these behaviors aren’t about the present; they’re echoes of deeper, often subconscious battles.

Where Do We Begin to Heal?

So, how do we stop chalking these behaviors up to “just the culture” and start addressing them for what they are? Here’s where personal and professional growth meet:

1. Self-Awareness:

Start by identifying patterns. Why does criticism sting so much? Why does a missed deadline feel personal? These aren’t just workplace triggers—they’re often tied to deeper wounds.

2. Therapy and Coaching:

Therapy might still carry stigma in parts of the Middle East, but it’s essential for healing. For those hesitant, emotional intelligence (EI) workshops and coaching offer accessible ways to build healthier responses.

3. Culturally Attuned HR Practices:

Companies need HR strategies that respect cultural sensitivities while prioritizing mental well-being. This balance bridges the gap between tradition and modernity.

4. Mindfulness and Reflection:

Encouraging practices like journaling, meditation, or reflective debriefs can help employees process emotions before they boil over into unproductive reactions.

Transforming Passion into Progress

Middle Eastern workplaces don’t need to abandon their cultural vibrancy to thrive. Instead, that vibrancy must be harnessed. Passion, when paired with discipline, becomes a driver of innovation. Emotional intensity, when balanced with mindfulness, fuels creativity. Respect for hierarchy can coexist with open communication and collaboration.

A Generation at a Crossroads

We are a generation navigating the weight of our past while striving for a brighter future. How we handle this tension doesn’t just shape our workplaces—it shapes us collectively.

The next time you feel an emotional reaction rising in a meeting, ask yourself: Is this truly about what’s happening now, or is it something deeper you’ve been carrying?

The Middle East is a region of incredible resilience, passion, and transformation. If we can address the traumas that lie beneath the surface, our progress won’t just be economic—it will be deeply personal and profoundly human.