Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search

Hos~ ital ity

      Hospitality is a byword among the Arabs, whatever their
station in life.   As their guest, you will be treated with
generosity and kindness.   ?Iospitality is shown regardless of
personal cost and is expected to be returned.  Failure to show
hospitality is inexcusable.

      Host and guest rules provide that the person issuing the
invitation is the host.   This applies not only to the home but
also to chance encounters in restaurants and casual invitation to
lunch.  If you meet in a cafe or restaurant, the person already
there is immediately considered the host.   It is rude of the host
not to offer his table, food and drink.   The new arrival should
decline only if he is joining another party.   The host most often
will pay the bill; however, the person of higher status often
takes over as host and pays, even though the person of lower
status must maintain his dignity by attempting to pay.    If an
Arab asks you to go to lunch with him, he is the host.    "Dutch
treat" is not known in the Arab world.   To protect your own
public image and status, you must return hospitality.    By the
same token, do not refuse hospitality extended to you.

      If invited to an Arab home, arrive about on-time.   If a time
is not specified in a casual invitation, 8 p.m.  is proper.  To an
Arab a guest is God's gift and welcome at any time.   Remember to
show this same hospitality to an Arab if he visits your home
unexpectedly.   You are not expected to bring a present, unless
you know the host and his preferences very well.   Do not ask to
see the kitchen, bedrooms or any other private areas of the
house.  Do not rearrange furniture for your own comfort; this is
the host's responsibility.   Even today it is not wise to express
admiration or unusual interest for any of an Arab's belongings,
valuable or otherwise, because it may be offered as a gift to you
on the spot amid much embarrassment.   If accepted, reciprocation
is expected.   All gifts are reci~ted.

      In their home or office, Arab hosts usually will serve tea
and/or coffee in small cups or glasses.   You may be asked if you
prefer a hot or cool beverage.   Accept the beverage as it is
offered with the right hand and drink it slowly.   Often a servant
will stand by to refill your cup.   To stop the refill, hold the
cup towards the servant when he approaches and gently rock the
cup back and forth several times, or simply hold your right palm
over the top of the cup.   No comment is required.

      You may be invited to drink 1,Saadah," a bitter (often
cardoman) coffee, drunk plain with no sugar or cream.    The first
cup of `1Saadah" is known as the host cup and tradition calls for
the host to drink first.   The guest cup is second and the sword
or strength cup is drunk third.   If a fourth cup is served,   it is
known as the pleasure or welcome cup.   Never offer your left hand


                                 19

Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search