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The Arabic body language is very rich and has many variations in different countries. The common body language shared by everyone world wide of course, forms a big part of the Arabic body language but some gestures and moves have more than one meaning and some my even have an opposite to what it means it other cultures. Also, remember that most of the offensive or obscene gestures in the west or elsewhere is also offensive in the Middle East. Here are some gestures, do's and don'ts in the Arab world:
- Kissing. Kissing on the cheeks among friends is considered normal in men, hugging too is another sign of friendship and trust. In the gulf there is also kissing of the shoulder which can be a sign of respect to elderly or may be to a royal person. Hand kissing is also a sign of great respect mainly done to parents and may be to religious figures.
- High five! Yes, Arabs do it too but most people do the "down low" version.
- Don't try to initiate any physical contact with females (hugging, handshaking, etc). Only, if a woman stretches her hand, respond and shake her hand gently.
- Hand on chest. If done after handshaking or greeting it means respect. It can also mean "No, thank you" if someone is being offered something.
- Cupping the hand (all finger tips put together including the thumb) means "slow down" or "calm down".
- Avoid pointing shoes or the sole of your foot towards someone, it is a sign of disrespect. As when you are crossing your legs or the "ankle over knee" position known as American four figure, make sure your shoe isn't facing someone. Remember the shoe thrown at G. W. Bush in Iraq? This was obviously a sign of disrespect, a strong one!
- Rotating the hand (from palm facing down to upward) is used frequently when asking questions.
- When asking some one to "come closer", Arabs use the whole hand instead of just the index.
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