Arabic Culture & Customs

Many Arab women, regardless of religion, wear variations of headscarves.

Arab culture and customs are not monolithic. Arabs follow different faiths, live in countries all over the world and belong to different types of groups and societies.

However, some rules and customs are widespread across the international Arab population. Being aware of these customs and conforming to the society's rules indicates respect of the Arab people and their culture.

Defining Arabic Culture

People who identify themselves as Arabs generally speak the Arabic language and follow Arab customs.

Typically, most Arabs reside in the Middle East. Despite popular misconceptions, the region of the Middle East does not include countries such as Iran or Afghanistan. It is considered an insult to label Arabs, as well as Persians and other ethnic Central Asian groups (such as Uzbeks or Kazakhs) as "Arabs."

Although most Arabs are Muslims, many Arabs are Christian and Jewish as well. However, since Islam dominated the Middle East for so long, Arab Christians and Jews also follow some of the customs attributed to Muslims. Some Arabs may consider themselves to be Christians or Jews but "culturally Muslim."

Across every group in Arab culture, one of the most used phrases is "Inshallah," which means "If it is God's will." It is common for Arabs to add "Inshallah" after discussing any future plans, however grand or mundane.

Dress

Although Arabs follow a number of different faiths or cultural practices, dress styles are generally conservative.

Religious mandates for dress differ across the Arab Muslim community. While women in Egypt or Jordan might wear hijab (a head covering which does not hide the woman's face), women in Saudi Arabia typically wear a niqab outside the house. A niqab covers the lower half of the face, only revealing a woman's eyes.

Some non-Muslim Arabs also may wear a headscarf or dress conservatively, wearing longer tunics and skirts. However, Arab women in Western countries or Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon may wear Western style clothing.

Men wear a mix of Western and Arab outfits. Some men simply wear suits or a T-shirt and jeans, while others wear robes and headdresses.

General Behavior

Arabs in general value loyalty and honor. In relationships, it is important to establish trust. Unlike most Westerners, Arabs generally take friendships very seriously. They only call a select group of people "friends" and discuss others as acquaintances, family friends or associates.

In comparison to the West, male interaction in Arabic culture is remarkably different. Sometimes, upon meeting good friends, Arab men hug each other and exchange cheek kisses. While walking outside, Arab men might hold hands or one man might place his hand on the other man's arm. This behavior does not indicate a man's sexual preference.

Male and Female Interaction

Since some parts of Arab society are conservative, certain unspoken rules govern male and female interactions.

When speaking to a female, men generally do not stare at women or maintain eye contact. It is considered disrespectful to stare at a woman during conversation. Exceptionally conservative Arab men may fix their eyes on a spot on the wall or look at the ground while talking to a woman.

A man does not shake a woman's hand unless she offers her own hand.

Eating Customs

Muslim eating customs are present throughout Arab meals.

Arab Muslims and Jews do not eat pork and Muslims do not consume any alcohol. However, liberal Muslims or Jews may not abide by their respective faiths' dietary laws.

Muslims eat with the right hand and keep the left hand at the side, since they consider the left hand unclean.

If Arabs are sitting on the floor to partake in the meal, they are careful not to point the soles of their feet at someone else, as this is considered a grave insult.

References

• Federation of American Scientists: Arab Cultural Awareness

Resources

• "The Telegraph": Arab culture: the insult of the shoe