Bogoljub Karic: Basic Etiquette when Visiting an Arabic Home

Bogoljub Karic says Arabs are very specific about etiquette, so it’s important that you keep your manners in mind, especially if you’re interacting with someone you’re not close with or someone you’re trying to impress, such as your boss or client. If they invite you to their home, here are things you should and should never do:

Do take off your shoes

Before you enter, make sure to take off your footwear, but you can keep your socks. Besides being an act of courtesy, this helps keep the house clean and prevents the carpets from getting soiled.

Don’t take a seat unless you’re offered

Allow your host to entertain you the best they can. Let them lead you to their best seating areas instead of sitting on the closest chair you can find.

Do greet everyone

Arabs are very hospitable people and the least you can do s return the favor by acknowledging them. Make sure to greet everyone and show your appreciation for being invited.

Don’t accept coffee or tea without refusing

When your hosts offer refreshments, refuse to show respect. Don’t worry because no matter how many times you refuse, they’d still give you food and water so you can have your fill.

Do compliment their home, but…

When complimenting their home, don’t focus on one object too much or they’ll feel obliged to give it to you. Too many compliments are also taken as a prelude to jealousy, so don’t overdo it. When praising your hosts’ home, say “mashallah” afterwards. This means that God has made their home perfect and that you admire its beauty without jealousy.

Don’t finish your tea in one gulp

Just because the tea is good doesn’t mean you’ll gulp it down quickly. Take your time and show that you are enjoying your hosts’ company. If you are eating, make sure to leave a bite or two on your plate.

Do sit properly

The right way to sit, especially if you’re doing so on the floor, is to do it with your soles pointed anywhere but your host. Pointing your soles at them is considered extremely rude.

Don’t forget to say goodbye

Show them your appreciation by properly saying goodbye. Ideally, you should say your goodbyes until they are well out of earshot.

Bogoljub Karic says being invited to an Arab’s home is a great experience, but you must be conscious of how you behave. It can be tricky the first time, but do it often enough and you’ll soon get used to their etiquette.