If you are invited to dinner or lunch in a restaurant, it is customary that your host pays for it.
REMEMBER: Offering wine or pork is an insult!!!
GREETINGS
Arabs in general enjoy taking time to chat about all sorts of things and when it is eventually time to say goodbye, the farewells can be as elaborate as the greetings.
Arabs appreciate inquiries about their families, health, problems and welcome the fact that you are concerned about them. If you do not know the person very well just say:”keyfa alusraa = how is the family”
GREETINGS ( formal meeting)
When entering a meeting full of people, one will greet each person individually with a handshake while standing. The same is expected of visitors. Learning some appropriate Arabic phrases for such occasions is appreciated.
If the meeting is underway, just say “assalaam ‘aleykum” and go to your seat. You shake hands during the break or after the meeting.
In Arabic, an individual is addressed by his or her first name, and any title they possess. A "Dr. Ahmed Bin Al-Rahman" would be addressed as "Dr. Ahmed."
The word "bin" or "ibn" means "son of" and may be present a number of times in a person’s name. Some names start with “Abu = father of” as in abu hassan = father of Hassan. Other names begin with “umm = mother of” as in umm khelthuum = mother of kelthuum.
Another common name structure has "Abd" followed by one of God’s 99 attributes with the definite article “”abd al-Hakim = the servant of the wisest." Notice that names are not used without abd for they sound in the superlative form depicting irreverence toward Allah.
Arab ministers and Ambassadors are always addressed as “Hadrat [or siyyaadat] assafiir = Your Excellency"
Greeting women
When you are visiting your host's office or home and you are introduced to a female worker or a female relative of your host, in all cases you should not greet her with a kiss. If the woman extends her hand to greet you, you may shake her hand; otherwise only greeting with words is appropriate.
Remember: don't compliment your Arab host on the beauty of his wife or sister or daughter (it is viewed as a transgression not as a compliment!).
Greetings
The simplest of greetings, such as 'hello', varies according to how and when they are used. In addition, each greeting requires a certain response that varies according to whether it is being said to a male, female or group. Hello, assalam ‘aleykum', literally means 'peace upon you in the plural, thus accounting for the Angels surrounding you]'. This can be responded to by “wa aleykum assalam', which means 'and peace upon you'.
Privacy
Because of the importance of privacy, houses are built with big solid walls that maintain privacy from street traffic and the neighbors and large courtyards.
One of the most important considerations in building a house is the guarantee that the residents of the house can't see their neighbors from any part of the house, thus insuring privacy for everybody.
At the door (office or house), the host will signal you to enter by extending his right hand with his palm up saying "Tafaddal", which means "come in".
Body positions you should avoid.
In public, Arabs behave conservatively. Display of affection in front of outsiders and even family members between spouses is not encouraged
No touching allowed between husband and wife in front of parents as this is considered disrespectful
Displaying of one’s feelings is a sign of weakness;
Vulgar laughter and joking in public are toned down, which is not the case in private gatherings and among acquaintances
helpful tips and a few examples of cultural misunderstandings
Do not confuse popular culture and tales/jokes with true business negotiations i.e., IBM vs. giving time for a successful meeting to materialize.
Be aware of the significance of the five daily prayers’ time: 5 am; 1pm, 3 pm, 6pm and 7pm for meetings purpose.
Cultural do's & don'ts.
If one is doing business during Ramadan, it is best to refrain from drinking and eating when in the company of someone observing the fast. Take it more as a sign of sophistication and education on your part rather than as an obligation. This knowledge about Islam brings you a lot of respect from your counterparts. “I do not care attitude” is a sign you are ending all dealings with an Arab businessman.
When you explicitly admire a possession in your host house, he might feel obligated to offer it to you even if it is of special value to him;
Admiring something should not be prolonged. When Arabs receive gifts, it is a custom not to open it in front of the giver. The same is expected when they give someone else a gift.
What is considered insulting
Don't interrupt, or pass in front of, a Muslim who may be praying in a public place.
Don't openly consume food, beverages, or cigarettes in public places during the holy month of Ramadan.
