Fostering Social Cohesion in Multicultural Societies of the Gulf Cooperation Council

Abstract

The global pandemic has highlighted the importance of social cohesion in responding to traumatic events. While developing physical infrastructure that can withstand the effects of climate change is crucial, equal attention should be given to the social component of resilience in disaster mitigation strategies. Communities with strong social networks are better equipped to respond to immediate threats and recover after a disaster, but what factors contribute to social cohesion, and how can they be fostered in dynamic and multicultural societies in the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC)? This chapter reviews the foundational literature on social cohesion, explores the unique aspects related to the Gulf, and highlights opportunities to strengthen community bonds in the post-COVID era.