How to Travel Respectfully in the Middle East (From a Western Traveler) 🌍✨

Before I ever set foot in the Middle East, I had questions: Will I fit in? Will I offend someone? The media had painted vivid pictures of conflict, but when I arrived, I found something different: warmth, hospitality, and a region rich with complexity and soul.

Traveling in the Middle East comes with unique customs. To truly experience the region, and rank high for “travel respectfully in the Middle East”, you need to understand the dos and don’ts: dressing modestly, greeting with the right hand, respecting religious rhythms, and honoring local etiquette.

✅ 1. Do Dress Modestly

One of the most important dos and don’ts of travelling in the Middle East is dressing respectfully. In many Muslim countries, modest clothing isn’t optional, it’s expected.

• Women: Cover shoulders, arms, legs, and always carry a scarf for mosques (required in Iran).

• Men: Avoid shorts and tank tops, long pants and sleeves are appreciated.

• Loose-fitting garments help you stay cool and respectful.

Respectful attire shows that you’ve done your homework, and can open doors to deeper experiences.

✅ 2. Do Greet With Your Right Hand

A small gesture with big meaning: always use your right hand when shaking hands, handing over gifts, or sharing objects. The left hand is considered unclean in many cultures here.

And here’s a local greeting tip:

• When someone says “As-salamu alaykum” (“peace be upon you”), reply with “Wa alaykum as-salam.”

This simple exchange - respectful greeting and right-hand handshake, creates immediate connection.

🚫 3. Don’t Photograph Without Permission

One of the most common don’ts travelers overlook is taking photos without asking. Always ask permission, particularly when photographing:

• Women wearing hijabs

• People praying

• Any sacred site

Oftentimes, permission leads to invitations, sometimes into homes, into stories, and into incredible hospitality.

⚠️ 4. Be Aware of Prohibited Goods

Before traveling, check what’s allowed. In much of the Middle East:

• Alcohol is often forbidden in public

• Pork products are restricted

• Certain medicines require prescriptions

🕌 5. Respect Prayer Times & Religious Festivals

Islam shapes daily life through prayer and fasting. To travel respectfully:

• Avoid eating/drinking during Ramadan in public

• Be silent and mindful near mosques during call to prayer

• On Fridays (Jumu’ah), businesses close midday

• Be aware of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha holidays, when shops and services are limited

These are not just customs, they’re rhythms deeply woven into life here.

❤️ 6. Do Show Hospitality-But Honor Boundaries

Hospitality is a gift, the region is known for welcoming strangers into homes for tea and meals. When offered something:

• Accept warmly

• If you can’t, politely decline with a hand over your heart

Your openness signals respect, and goes a long way.

🙏 7. Don’t Judge - Listen First, Always

Stepping into the Middle East as a Western traveler, it’s tempting to compare or critique. But the most powerful rule is: listen before speaking. Conversation is about connection, not correction.

Ask, don’t assume.
Observe, don’t impose.
Be curious, not critical.

Final Thoughts

Traveling respectfully in the Middle East means embracing a few key dos and don’ts - dress modestly, greet with your right hand, respect religious rhythms, avoid photography without permission, and know what’s restricted.

But beyond that, it’s about humility, authenticity, and presence. It’s about showing up as a human, not a headline.

When I greeted strangers with a “Salam,” removed my shoes before prayer, and shared tea in a bazaar, I wasn’t just following guidelines. I was learning. I was connecting. And I was humbled.

If you travel with humility, sincerity, and respect, the Middle East will open its heart to you.

With gratitude,
Jay