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Nose Greetings! Gulf-Region Arabs Respect Elders by Rubbing Noses

This custom is linked with pride and dignity

  • Publish date: Sunday، 20 November 2022 Last update: Thursday، 30 November 2023
Nose Greetings! Gulf-Region Arabs Respect Elders by Rubbing Noses

Customs and cultures are part of every society's lifestyle. From shaking hands to a light kiss on the cheeks are means of greeting a friend and/or a stranger. For people living in the Gulf region, you may have seen locals doing the "nose kiss". This form of greeting was "paused" during the pandemic, but it is coming back. 

Nose Greetings! Gulf-Region Arabs Respect Elders by Rubbing Noses

Arabian Body Language

In the Gulf region and in the Arab world, body language is completely different from that in the west. It would make sense to understand a little about what certain body language might mean.

  • To kiss the forehead, nose, or right hand of a person denotes extreme respect.
  • Shake hands with the right hand only.
  • Failure to shake hands when meeting someone or saying goodbye is considered rude. When a Western man is introduced to an Arab woman it is the woman's choice whether to shake hands or not; she must initiate the handshake. Women shake hands only using their fingertips. Do not touch their palm and do not kiss their hand. Generally, women do not kiss a man’s cheek in greeting, it is considered immodest.


The Nose Touch 

The Nose Touch is a quick nose-to-nose touch while shaking hands. You will often see Gulf Arab male nationals touch noses three times as they shake hands during their greetings. This is a traditional Bedouin tradition, it is a sign of friendship, and it is common amongst male friends. The old custom of rubbing noses is not unique to Arab or Bedouins, but the code of various indigenous populations in many parts of the world. For example, the Eskimo and the Māori of New Zealand also do it. It varies from rubbing to kissing, but they all require the noses to touch.

Nose Greetings! Gulf-Region Arabs Respect Elders by Rubbing Noses

Now you know!

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