Etiquette in Arab Countries: Dress Code, Dining & Religious Customs

Traveling to Arab countries offers a rich cultural experience, but it also requires a strong awareness of local customs and social expectations. The Arab world is diverse, encompassing regions in the Middle East and North Africa, including countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco. While local traditions vary slightly from one country to another, there are shared norms rooted in Islamic values, family structures, and social etiquette.

This guide offers a practical, detailed look at key aspects of etiquette in Arab countries, focusing on dress codes, dining behavior, and religious customs—all essential for respectful and successful interactions.

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1. Dress Code: Modesty Matters

Dressing modestly is crucial in most Arab countries, especially in public and religious spaces. In conservative countries like Saudi Arabia or Qatar, strict adherence is expected, while in more liberal nations like Lebanon or the UAE (outside of mosques), expectations may be somewhat relaxed—but modesty still matters.

For Women:

• Clothing should cover the shoulders, upper arms, and knees.
• In conservative areas, wearing long skirts or loose trousers and long-sleeved tops is safest.
• In some countries (e.g., Saudi Arabia), women may be expected to wear an abaya, though covering the hair is not always required unless entering a mosque.
• Avoid tight, sheer, or revealing clothing.

For Men:

• Shorts are generally discouraged in many public settings, especially outside tourist areas.
• Wear long pants and shirts with sleeves.
• Tank tops and sleeveless shirts are inappropriate in most contexts.

Pro tip: When visiting a mosque or religious site, both men and women should wear full-length clothing and remove shoes before entering.

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2. Dining Etiquette: Hospitality & Respect

Arab hospitality is legendary, and being invited to someone’s home or sharing a meal is a sign of honor. However, dining customs can differ greatly from Western norms.

Before the Meal:

• Always wash your hands before eating.
• Wait for the host to begin or to invite you to eat.
• Don’t start serving yourself first unless encouraged to.

During the Meal:

• Eat with your right hand only. The left hand is considered unclean in many contexts.
• In traditional settings, meals may be shared from communal plates—take from the part of the dish closest to you.
• Avoid showing the soles of your feet if seated on the floor.
• Do not ask for alcohol unless it’s clearly available (only some countries permit it, like the UAE or Lebanon).

After the Meal:

• Compliment the host—phrases like “It was delicious” or “Thank you for your hospitality” are appreciated.
• Declining second helpings once is often met with insistence—a second polite refusal is usually acceptable.

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3. Religious Customs: Islam Shapes Social Life

Islam is central to life in most Arab countries, and understanding its impact on daily routines, public behavior, and social expectations is key.

Prayer Times:

• Muslims pray five times a day. You may hear the call to prayer (adhan) from local mosques.
• During prayer times, some shops may temporarily close, and public gatherings may pause.
• Avoid interrupting someone who is praying.

Ramadan Etiquette:

• During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
• Do not eat, drink, chew gum, or smoke in public during fasting hours, even if you are not Muslim (some countries may fine or penalize public eating).
• Be respectful of slower work rhythms and quieter social energy.

Mosques & Religious Sites:

• Dress conservatively—long sleeves, long pants/skirts, and women should cover their hair.
• Remove shoes before entering.
• Non-Muslims may be restricted from entering certain mosques, so check in advance.

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4. Greetings and Social Interactions

Greeting Styles:

• Handshakes are common, but always use the right hand.
• In more conservative settings, men should not initiate handshakes with women—wait for her to offer.
• Verbal greetings like “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you) are widely used.

Hospitality Norms:

• You may be offered tea or coffee multiple times—accepting at least one is polite.
• It’s common to decline an offer initially out of politeness, and then accept after the host insists.
• Avoid rushing conversations—socializing is often unhurried and personal.

Gender Interactions:

• Public displays of affection are frowned upon and sometimes illegal.
• Unrelated men and women may not socialize openly in public in some countries.
• Always err on the side of formality and caution in gender-mixed settings.

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5. Public Behavior: What to Avoid

Arab cultures place strong emphasis on dignity, family honor, and respectful public behavior.

Key Don'ts:

• Don’t criticize the government, religion, or royal family—this can have serious legal consequences.
• Don’t show anger or argue loudly in public. Composure is a sign of respect.
• Don’t point your finger or the soles of your feet at someone—both are considered rude.

Photography:

• Ask permission before photographing people, especially women or children.
• Avoid taking photos of government buildings, military sites, or religious institutions without approval.

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Conclusion

Respecting etiquette in Arab countries is essential for meaningful travel and respectful engagement. From conservative dress codes to dining etiquette and religious customs, the cultural framework is shaped by hospitality, modesty, and tradition.

If you’re ever unsure, observe how locals behave and follow their lead. Showing curiosity and humility—along with a few well-placed Arabic phrases like “shukran” (thank you) or “inshallah” (God willing)—can make a big difference in how you’re received.

In short: dress modestly, eat respectfully, observe religious practices, and greet with warmth. You'll be rewarded with the kind of hospitality the Arab world is famous for.

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