The Business of Culture w/ Abdulrahman Alyousef

On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Abdul Alyousef, an anthropologist and interdisciplinary consultant whose work brings cultural heritage and social insight into business and development. Trained across construction management, anthropology, and international development, Abdul is the founder of Seventh Bridge Consulting, a cultural heritage consultancy that works with developers, organizations, and institutions on projects ranging from property development to global expansion. At Seventh Bridge, Abdul leads teams of anthropologists, archaeologists, and development experts to integrate cultural knowledge into strategy from the very beginning. Rather than treating culture as a constraint or risk to manage, his work positions lived experience, history, and community values as essential foundations for sustainable growth. Through ethnographic and heritage-based research, he helps clients understand how communities will engage with, resist, or reshape development initiatives. Abdul also reflects on the ethical responsibilities of applying anthropology in commercial contexts, emphasizing reciprocity, accountability, and community benefit. Listen now to hear how anthropology, heritage, and strategy come together to shape more ethical, effective, and culturally grounded development.