“Practice Religion with Ease, Practice Science at the Same Time”: Migrant Scientists and Gulf's Religious Appeal

• In Event: Diverse Visions and Perspectives on the Sociology of Religion

Abstract

This paper examines the overlooked role of religion as an underlying factor in scientists’ international migration decisions. In the last 15 years, scientific research institutions in the Arabian Gulf states have posted impressive gains in global prestige rankings, academic publication output, and sheer financial investment—and have accordingly positioned themselves as plausible career destinations for ambitious high-level scientists from around the world. Drawing from a survey of 261 non-native scientists in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates; in-depth interviews with 77 of these respondents, including 41 Muslim scientists; and 14 follow-up interviews focused specifically on scientists’ religious lives, we find evidence that the emergence of new destinations with distinct religious characteristics is shaping trajectories in global talent flows. While foreign scientists still prioritized potential career benefits before relocating to the Gulf, they were substantially influenced by secondary lifestyle considerations. We describe how Muslim scientists establish personalized destination hierarchies beyond and within the Gulf, and how they triangulate ideal destinations by assessing spiritual and socio-religious infrastructures consonant with their practice. As plausible career destinations proliferate around the world, including in non-secular countries, these secondary factors are quietly reshaping contests for specialized global talent. In an increasingly multi-polar research landscape, we highlight the overlooked role of religion in global scientific migrations.

Authors

• Kurt Kuehne, New York University Abu Dhabi

• Anju Mary Paul, New York University Abu Dhabi