The Arab world is united by cultural, linguistic and historical ties, mainly linked to the Arabic language and Islamic heritage. Arab countries share cultural traditions and social values influenced by religion.
The Arab world is based on a set of fundamental principles and practices that form the essential foundations of Arab life. The religious values that profoundly influence Arab culture mean that romantic encounters are often approached differently. Human relationships are therefore strongly influenced by this culture.
If you’d like to make a success of your encounter with an Arab, you’ll find 7 tips for quality encounters in this article.
Respect Arab culture.
The Arab world is rich in traditional and family values. That’s why, if you want to meet someone successfully, you need to show interest in and respect for Arab culture. This means taking an active approach to learning. You can start by familiarizing yourself with the Arabic language, a central element of this culture. A few words should be enough to show your respect. This will enable you to make common words your own, such as “hello” (صباح الخير : assalamou ‘alaykoum) or “goodbye” (مع السلامة : Ma3a salama).
Also, be open-minded and learn. Ask questions about the history of Arab peoples to discover the diversity of your future partner’s regional traditions. An open and curious attitude towards others and their culture is always appreciated.
Be honest and sincere.
Among Arabs, sincerity is appreciated. On a date, it’s important to express your intentions and expectations clearly. It’s advisable to use “I” to avoid accusations. In the same vein, practice active listening to understand the other person’s point of view.
Also, for a better approach, find out about cultural norms regarding communication. However, be patient and respectful of the other’s pace, even when disagreeing, avoiding insults or judgments.
A sense of family
For a first date in the Arab world, show interest in the family, the big family. Be prepared to interact respectfully with your potential partner’s family and understand its influence on the future of the relationship.
Understand that every family is unique. Therefore, ask questions to find out more about each other’s families. This could work in your favor, as family ties are at the heart of Arab culture. Show that you respect your elders in particular by being polite and valuing their opinions. If you meet at a family gathering, offer to help with household chores and organization.
Dress decently
If you want to score points on a date with an Arab, dress appropriately. Modest dress is generally recommended, especially on first dates. It’s a mark of respect for their cultural and religious values.
Modesty is a key habit, so appropriate dress shows consideration for your partner. Appropriate dress avoids shocking or offending. It also shows your seriousness and commitment to the relationship.
Sober, covering attire creates a comfortable, harmonious environment for all concerned. What’s more, dressing well avoids misunderstandings and misinterpretations. If you have no idea what to wear, ask her or do some research on the Internet.
Modesty and modesty
Public displays of affection are likely to be frowned upon in the Arab world. For this reason, approach physical contact with delicacy. Pay attention to the other person’s body language to detect any signs of discomfort. Indeed, standards of physical contact may differ.
Start with light, gradual contact, avoiding overly intimate or inappropriate gestures, especially on first encounters. Communicate openly about consent before any physical contact, using simple phrases like “May I take your hand?”. In the event of refusal or discomfort, don’t insist.
Time and place
Punctuality is appreciated, but there can be some flexibility in scheduling. Aiming to be on time shows respect, but you should also be prepared for the possibility of a delay, with patience.
Confirm the time and place of the appointment in advance. Above all, let them know if you’ll be late. Adopt a flexible and respectful attitude, being aware of cultural differences and avoiding any form of judgment.
Choosing the right venue also shows respect for your partner’s customs and traditions. This will put the person more at ease, making for a pleasant and successful encounter. So choose public spaces such as cafés, Halal restaurants or parks. Likewise, avoid places that are too intimate or inappropriate, and liable to be misinterpreted.
Use correct and respectful language.
The Arab world places great importance on modesty, even in the way you express yourself. That’s why you should avoid vulgar language on a first date . Refrain from crude language, inappropriate jokes and overly intimate conversations. Speak soberly and tactfully.
Don’t talk about sensitive and potentially divisive subjects, such as stereotypes, controversies and human rights, especially women’s rights. These topics of conversation are sometimes based on personal convictions and can be uncomfortable.
Moreover, traditional Arab values place a premium on the man’s responsibility and the woman’s submission within the couple. It is therefore advisable to adopt a language that reflects these fundamental principles.
Keep in mind that most people from Arab cultures are very attached to their values, traditions and heritage, deeply marked by the influence of Islam. For this reason, to ensure a successful meeting, adopt a respectful and modest attitude, choosing open topics of conversation that will reassure your interlocutor. Don’t hesitate to show a genuine interest in his or her culture. These tips will increase your chances of success.
