Behaviour towards Arabic women by JessH
Here are a few pointers on the mentality & religious aspects of dealing with Arabic women (and men):> Women can shake an Arabic woman's hand, but men should not attempt this. The lady may offer to shake hands, do so, but leave the decision up to her as many Muslim ladies do not want to be touched by other men in even the most harmless manner. Vice-versa, some Arabic men will refuse shaking hands with a Western woman. Do not feel offended by this.
> Do not take pictures of Arabic ladies. They can get quite upset about this (this one applies especially to you ladies: if you are in the washrooms, at a ladies-beach or beauty salon where they uncover themselves - they don't want pictures of themselves shown to other men)
> Beware of the mighty Abaya!
The Abaya is the black dress the ladies wear. The head scarf is called Shehla. Some ladies also wear a face-mask, called a Burka. Many ladies (especially the older generation) think the abaya gives them special rights & will quite happily step onto the road, trusting that traffic will stop for her! Also, some local ladies will try to push ahead in a queue.
> Men, please note that institutions such as banks, exchange houses, etc. often have Ladies Sections, where women can sit seperately & have their own queue. Do not sit or stand there, or you will be asked to move by a security guard. If there is no ladies queue, you will notice that the counter clerks will usually call the woman forward to be served first, and men should let her pass. (one of the few reasons I like this country; going to the bank only takes me 5 min!)
> When meeting an Arabic man, men should not ask: "how is your wife?". This may be perceived as intrusive. Rather ask "how is your family?". Women may ask about the wife with no problems.
In general, you will notice that Muslim society is cleary gender-seperated.
Book about cross-cultural considerations in the Gulf is "Don't they know it's Friday?" by Jeremy Williams.
