Greeting people in Arab countries?

Question

What is the most acceptable way to greet somebody from an Arab nation in there country e.g Egypt ,Saudi

Answer 1

The normal - perhaps essential - male behaviour on meeting a Gulf Arab under any circumstances is to stand up if seated and to shake hands, saying "As-Salaam Alaykum". But for a man to shake the hand of a Gulf Arab woman (and vice versa) is not normal and there appears to be no simple rule of etiquette to follow. If the Arab woman is Westernised and the meeting is in international circumstances, such as at a prominent hotel in the Gulf, or in the West itself, she might extend her hand to be shaken by a Western or Arab mal acquaintance, since she will know that this activity is normal Western behaviour. But in the Gulf (and absolutely in Saudi Arabia) it is unlikely that a woman will offer her hand to be shaken.

"As-Salaam Alaykum" means "Peace be upon you". If said to you, try to respond with the same words backwards: :Alaykum as-Salaam", which means "Upon you peace". In a social situation involving mals, shake hands, not too firmly, with all nearby persons, starting with the most senior. These social signals are highly cost-effective in terms of the minor effort needed in preparation. However, some fervent Muslims dislike Westerners using an Islamic greeting and caution will be needed when in such company.

Going to the Arab Nations on business I strongly recomend you to buy the book: "Don't they know it's Friday" written by Jeremy Williams. This book is about cross-culture considerations for business and life in the Gulf. It also provides you with everything concerning etiquette and different behavior in the Arab world.

Take care and have a pleasant trip.

Answer 2

Al salam Aleikum is the most common greeting between Arabs, they usually shake hands, it is normal for men to kiss each other on both cheeks and women too, in the gulf ( Saudi, Emirates..) men do greet each other by a pick from both noses, it is a weird for foreigners, so a simple hand shake will do.

Answer 3

Shaking hands is acceptable if you are there on business - just make sure you use the right hand and not the left. Muslim women in the Middle East do not tend to make physical contact with men who are not relatives and in some places this is forbidden.

Kissing is pretty much reserved for people you have more than a passing acquaintance with.

Answer 4

this is complicated for us as there is a kind of whole conversation that goes on depending on how well you know the person and hi hows it hanging just doesnt cut it.
the traditional way to say hello
is.... salam alekum ( dont know how to spell it)to which you reply
alekum a salam you will then be welcomed and offered a drink such as mint tea
you then go on to ask about health and family etc
there is also sabah al kheer which means good morning and you
reply sabah el noone . suggest you stick to salam which is a kind of all purpose greeting

Answer 5

just smile, wave your hand at them say "marhaba" and when you get close enough do a firm hand shake, but unless you know them dont hug them or kiss them if they start to hug or kiss dont resist just go with it. also unless you are Muslim DO NOT say Assalamu alaykum also because not all Arabs are Muslims and thats Islamic Arabic, in arabic its "MARHABA". I am Arab Muslim and thats the only way I greet fellow Arabs, regardless of country or religion.

Answer 6

Assalamualaykum

Answer 7

As-salaam aleykum (said to a group of people)
salaam aleyk (said to a man)
salaam aleyki (said to a woman)
or just salaam in general.

alternatively, you could say:
Good morning - Sabah al kheir
Good afternoon - Masa'al kheir

hope I've helped! x

Answer 8

Ahlan أهلا

Answer 9

We just say"Hi" or "marhaba" and we shake hands or a hug and kiss if we are real close
From Lebanon

Answer 10

You say salaam a lekhum. And they say wa a lekhum a salaam.
(peace be with you) and (peace be with you too)
If they say it to you, you do the answer.