Culture and context
Arabic language and culture are inseparable. Arabic is the language of the Quran, and this religious connection infuses everyday speech with expressions that invoke God — even among non-religious speakers and non-Muslims. Understanding these cultural dimensions helps you communicate naturally and avoid misunderstandings across the diverse Arab world.
Religion and language
Many Arabic phrases reference God (Allah), but these are cultural expressions used by Arabs of all religions — Christians, Muslims, and secular speakers alike. Using them shows cultural fluency, not religious affiliation. Avoiding them sounds stilted:
- Quran is in classical Arabic
- Many phrases reference God (Allah)
- These are cultural, not necessarily religious
Common expressions
| Expression | Meaning | When used |
|---|---|---|
| إن شاء الله (in shāʾ Allāh) | God willing | Future intentions |
| الحمد لله (al-ḥamdu li-llāh) | Praise be to God | After eating, "I'm fine" |
| ما شاء الله (mā shāʾ Allāh) | God has willed | Admiration, avoiding evil eye |
| بسم الله (bismillāh) | In God's name | Before eating, starting tasks |
These are used by Arabic speakers of all religions.
Hospitality
Arab hospitality (ضيافة, ḍiyāfa) is legendary and deeply embedded in culture. Hosting guests well is a point of honour, and guests are treated generously. Understanding hospitality customs helps you navigate invitations and social situations — knowing when to accept, when to politely decline, and how many times "no" is expected before "yes":
Arab hospitality traditions include:
- Guests are highly honoured
- Refusing food or drink may offend
- Coffee/tea is always offered
- "No" is often said multiple times before accepting
Greetings
Arabic greetings are formulaic and important. "As-salāmu ʿalaykum" (peace be upon you) is the universal greeting, appropriate in any situation with any Arabic speaker. The response is always "wa ʿalaykum as-salām" (and upon you peace). Physical greetings vary by country and the relationship between people:
- السلام عليكم (peace be upon you) is universal
- Handshakes are standard
- Same-gender cheek kisses common
- Cross-gender physical contact varies by country
Business culture
Arab business culture prioritises relationships. Don't expect to discuss business immediately — initial meetings often focus on building rapport through conversation, tea, and hospitality. Trust is personal, not institutional, so investing time in relationships pays dividends. Patience and relationship-building are essential:
- Relationships come before business
- Meetings may start with extensive small talk
- Direct "no" is avoided; read context
- Friday is the weekly holiday
The Arabic world
Arabic is spoken across 22 countries spanning two continents. While Modern Standard Arabic unites the region for formal communication, everyday speech varies dramatically by country and region. Egyptian dialect is most widely understood thanks to Egypt's dominant media industry, but learning about regional differences helps you navigate the diverse Arab world:
| Region | Countries | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Levant | Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine | Distinctive accent |
| Gulf | Saudi, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman | More conservative |
| Egypt | Egypt | Most understood dialect |
| Maghreb | Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya | French influence |
Holidays
Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, so dates shift each year relative to the Western calendar. The two Eids (Eid al-Fitr after Ramadan, Eid al-Adha during Hajj) are the major celebrations. Ramadan, the month of fasting, dramatically affects business hours and social life. Planning around these periods is essential for business in the Arab world:
| Holiday | Type |
|---|---|
| عيد الفطر (Eid al-Fitr) | End of Ramadan |
| عيد الأضحى (Eid al-Adha) | Feast of Sacrifice |
| رمضان (Ramadan) | Holy month of fasting |
During Ramadan:
- Many fast from dawn to sunset
- Business hours change
- Be respectful of those fasting
Cultural tips
Some customs are near-universal across the Arab world. Understanding these basics prevents common mistakes that could cause offence:
- Right hand for eating and giving
- Bottoms of feet shouldn't point at people
- Dress modestly, especially in conservative areas
- Learn about specific countries you'll visit