Greeting

The traditional form of greeting in Egypt between both men and women is the handshake.

Conservative Muslims do not shake hands with members of the opposite sex.

The handshake should not be firm and vigorous, rather weak, but not short, but somewhat long.

Men in Egypt who already know each other traditionally exchange kisses (on both cheeks) during the handshake, after which they may place their left hand on the communicating partner's shoulder. This greeting ritual should not be repeated to foreigners-it can be misinterpreted and irrevocably ruin the relationship.

When greeting a woman, wait for her to extend her hand to you herself. If she doesn't, just tilt your head in greeting.

When shaking hands, it's important to maintain eye contact, which is seen as a sign of honesty and sincerity. Sometimes the gaze directed at the interlocutor can be somewhat intense.

If a guest enters a room, it is expected that the men in the room and currently seated will stand to greet.

When meeting an Egyptian, you can use the greeting in Arabic "Salam alaikum", which means "Peace to you" (the correct transcription is "As-salamu alaikum"). In response, you will hear "Wa alaikum as-salam," which means "Peace be upon you, too. These expressions are a traditional form of greeting and are not related to religion. For this reason, foreigners are not discouraged from greeting their interlocutor(s) in an Arabic manner.

Introduction

The title/degree/title indicates a person's status in Egyptian society, so it is extremely important to use it correctly in speech when speaking to a person. It is a sign of respect for the person.

Egyptians in business (or other formal) relationships generally address each other using the title/title and name (not the last name) of the person they are talking to.

If the person does not have a title, then the internationally common forms of address should be used: "Mr", "Mrs" (for married women) or "Ms" (for women whose family status is not known to the person you are talking to). This formal address is also followed by the person's first name (not last name), for example: Mr. Gamal or Mrs. Rashida.

If the person has an academic degree (PhD) or a Doctor of Medicine (MD), they should be addressed as follows: Dr Seth (first name, not last name).

When talking to each other, it is not uncommon for Egyptians to refer to the title / title of another person, even if they have known each other for many years. Such a tradition does not apply to foreigners.

Even if you have been with your Egyptian partner long enough, do not use "you" or omit the appropriate title/degree/title when addressing him or her.

Exchange of Business Cards

In Egyptian business practices it is common to exchange business cards when introducing yourself in the first meeting.

The text of the business card should be in Arabic (more specifically, its Egyptian dialect), either on one side of the business card or on a separate card.

When receiving the business card, look at the information on the card (read it or even just look at it).

In giving the business card, it is important to keep the Arabic part of the card so that the person you are talking to can see the Arabic text.

There is no special ritual when giving the business card in Egyptian business practices.

Small Talk: Overview

Egyptians believe that a light conversation before a business meeting or negotiation, for example, can help develop a closer relationship.

The relationship with a partner is very important in Egyptian business practices.

You will attract the attention of a potential Egyptian partner if you show genuine interest in their country or the particular realities of Arab life in your conversation.

You will attract a potential Egyptian partner if you show genuine interest in the country or the particularities of Arab life.

Preferred Topics

Any topic related to your job, the company you represent, or even your country.

Personal topics such as family and spending time with family.

Holidays and hobbies, movies, trips.

Positive statements about Egypt and its culture (e.g., places of interest, beaches, nature, architecture) or the Arabic language, especially the Egyptian dialect.

Sports, especially soccer, tennis, horseback riding.

Taboo Topics

Personal Space

Egyptians generally stand at arm's length to each other during conversations. It may vary depending on who is talking: women may stand closer to each other than men, the same applies to close friends and acquaintances. People of the opposite sex prefer not to shorten their distance when talking.

Facial contact is only possible between people who know each other well or are relatives.

Egyptians are emotional and may actively gesture during conversations, especially if they want to emphasize a point.

Having emotions is not customary, especially when talking to people of opposite sexes.

Having eye contact is important, which is seen as a sign of a relationship with their partner.

Communication Specifics

The context and situation of communication are of great importance in speech, as are the various hints and signals exchanged and understood by all.

Often what is said is more important than what is said. This kind of communication is characteristic of many Arab cultures, in which establishing and maintaining personal relationships is central. Many things are considered self-evident, so there is no need to verbalize what is said.

Egyptians have a polite, personal yet indirect style of communication. They are very sensitive to other people's feelings, and that translates into a lack of harsh, overt language.

Your Egyptian partner may have difficulty saying no to you when asked. In that case his speech may be slurred and vague. You should look for clues in your partner's speech to help you understand their true intentions. Talking about culture, sports, hobbies and family can help you and your partner get to know each other better and build trust between you.

Egyptian society values eloquence as a sign of sophistication, education and sincerity.