Customs and Etiquette of Arabia and Gulf States

Book excerpt: A comprehensive ready-reckoner to the customs and etiquette of the Arabian Peninsula.The Heart of the Middle East, in terms of Arab culture and customs, is Saudi Arabia -- principal oil state and the West's most important Middle East ally. This book draws its inspiration and guidelines from the Saudi way of life, but also takes account of the neighboring Arab states around the Persian Gulf, including Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. Contents: The Land (including nomadic life in the 21st century); Islam (including the Holy Cities and Sharia Law); The People (including religious festivals, the lunar calendar and Arab attitude to women); The Home (including house and tent and the woman's part of the home); Social Relations (including greetings, the nose kiss, entering a majlis and right and left hand); Food & Eating Out (including a traditional Arab meal); City Life (including eating out and taboos); Business (including 'time' in Arabia); Traveling; the Arabic Language; Facts about the Peninsula; Index.