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Greeting people in Arab countries?

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

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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. Source(s): UAE resident

Other Travel Tips
The greeting 鈥楢ssalamu Alaykum鈥?is commonly translated as 鈥榩eace be upon you鈥?and it means: May you remain safe from every pain, sorrow and distress.
RUB NOSES
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.
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
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.