Useful Tips: What you should do when interacting with Arabs

When you meet an Arab, make sure you do not cross your leg and point a feet in your companion’s direction as this will be taken as an insult.

The advice, or rather a warning, was included in a report containing tips to non-Arab expatriates on how to deal with Emiratis and other Arab citizens. It was published in the first issue of the Ministry of Interior’s English language monthly police magazine 999 released this week.

The report, titled “Mind the culture gap”, also warned foreigners against using their finger to beckon an Arab and explained what Arabs would do with their fingers when they want their foreign companion to speak slowly.

Following are some of the tip:

-Don’t cross your legs:

The gesture of crossing ones legs – when the upper leg is ‘bounced’ on the lower knee with the foot pointed in the general direction of a companion – is often made quite unconsciously by expats. This can cause Arabs discomfort, perhaps even distaste, since it may symbolize, in body language terms, an accusing or threatening weapon.

It could also indicate that you are feeling impatient – a social crime in the Gulf. The solution is not to cross the legs when in company of Arabs or, if this is not convenient, then to take care where the foot is pointed!

-Shway shway (slowly)

You may see an Arab make the gesture of drawing the fingers of the right hand into a steeple, gently bringing the hand down a few inches once or twice, or perhaps just gently wagging the steepled fingers a little. It means ‘little,
little’, i.e. ‘Slow down a bit; be gentle; be patient.’ On the road, truck and other drivers, will make the gesture through the vehicle’s side window to other drivers. It means: ‘Please let me in’ or ‘Please let me change lanes’.

-Sense of humor

The Arab sense of humour is well developed and can provide a useful bridge to establishing a relationship. However, take care not to belittle or make a joke of the person since this risks causing a loss of face, which will do untold damage to any relationship that might have been developing between you. It will possibly come across as simply rude.

-Judging and trusting you

What is certain, in terms of judging people, is that almost all Arabs can quickly notice, and see through, false or shallow ‘friendship’ sought or maintained simply to advance commercial interests or similar.

Become trusted over time; be genuine in your relationships. Be yourself; do not pretend with Arabs – let a confidence develop between you.

-Beckoning with fingers

In many regions of the Arab world, to ask someone to approach you by beckoning with the upright forefinger is distinctly rude, as is the defiant gesture of disapproval indicated by the raising of a digit finger from a clasped fist on an extended arm.  The latter gesture is known to be, and usually intended to be, rude in any society. But the former gesture involving an upright forefinger may be made quite unconsciously by an expat in an Arab country. Care is therefore needed not to give offence.

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