Culture & Etiquette in Hurghada

Practice

Normal and expected part of Egyptian daily life rather than an exception

Local Term

Baksheesh

Context

Expected and customary in hotels, restaurants, cafes (approximately 10%), tour guides, and service roles

Men

Wear long pants and shirts; avoid shorts in formal or religious settings

Women

Cover shoulders and knees; avoid low-cut or tight-fitting clothing. Hijab common in traditional areas, less common in Cairo, Alexandria, and Red Sea resort areas

Religious Sites

Remove shoes before entering mosques. Women cover hair with scarf in mosques; loose coverings usually provided. Conservative dress required for both men and women

General Context

Egyptian culture highly values conservative clothing and presentation. Modest dress is valued throughout the country, though relaxed in touristy areas like Red Sea coast resorts

Avoid

Do not give flowers for social occasions (reserved for weddings, the ill, or mourning)

Presentation

Give and receive with both hands or right hand only; never left hand. Gifts typically not opened immediately upon receipt

Suitable Gifts

Sweets, pastries, flowers (for hospitality); small electronic devices, chocolate, compasses for business

Appropriateness

Small gifts welcome when invited to someone's home

Attitude

Relaxed; Egyptians are generally not strictly punctual for social events

Social Context

Social events commonly start later than scheduled

Business Context

For formal business appointments and tours, punctuality is important; as a visitor, arrive on time even if others are late

Pork

Offensive to offer pork to Muslims as it is prohibited in Islam

Alcohol

Do not assume Egyptian hosts consume alcohol; ask before offering or bringing wine to someone's home

Meal Etiquette

Accept small portions of all dishes served; refusing food is considered rude. Meals typically shared. Wait for host to begin before eating in some contexts

Right Hand Rule

Use right hand for eating and passing food; left hand considered unclean

Avoid

Politics, religion, personal matters can be controversial; use respectful language

Photography

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women, children, or in religious/rural spaces. Some historical and military sites restrict photography

Gestures To Avoid

• Pointing the heel or sole of shoe toward another person
• Crossing legs and showing sole of shoe
• Thumbs-up sign
• Finger pointing
• Using left hand for eating, greetings, or gift-giving (left hand considered unclean)

Handshakes

Common between people of the same gender. Between men and women, wait for the other person to initiate; handshakes are acceptable only if the woman extends her hand first

Primary Greeting

As-salamu alaykum (Peace be upon you); reply Wa alaikum as-salam (And upon you be peace)

Titles And Formality

Use titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Ustaz/Ustaza) with surname on first meetings. Address elders as Haj/Hajja (for those who completed pilgrimage). Use first names only when invited

Close Friends And Family

Cheek kisses and hugs common among same-gender close friends and family; minimal public affection between opposite genders

Eye Contact

Direct eye contact is generally acceptable and signals respect, sincerity, and honesty. However, Islamic principles allow males and females to lower their gaze as a sign of respect

Personal Space

Closer than Western norms for same-gender interactions; arm's length typical. Women stand closer to each other but keep distance from men

Same Gender Contact

Close friends may hold hands or touch; men may stand very close during conversation and should not step back as this signals rudeness

Opposite Gender Contact

Little to no public display of affection; kissing and prolonged hugging in public draws disapproval, especially outside very touristy areas

Friday

The Muslim holy day; most shops closed; no business conducted. Work week runs Sunday–Thursday

Mosques

Ask permission before photographing; keep voices low; stay out of prayer lines during services

Ramadan

During daylight hours, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public out of respect for fasters. Eating in hotel restaurants or touristy areas acceptable with discretion. Greeting during Ramadan: Ramadan Kareem; reply Allaho Akram

Prayer Times

Do not walk in front of or interrupt someone in prayer. Some shops and offices may pause for prayer times

Humor

Egyptians use humor freely when meeting and chatting; appreciate when their jokes are acknowledged

Visiting

Not visiting someone for a long time signals the relationship's insignificance; regular contact valued

Compliments

Respond to compliments with gratitude and equally respectful compliment, or (if Muslim counterpart) by wishing Allah's blessings