What cultural etiquette should I follow as a newcomer to El Waqf?

El Waqf, like much of Egypt, observes modest dress, especially in public and religious settings; men and women should avoid overly revealing clothing. When greeting, a handshake is common, but be prepared for a more formal address using titles and family names. During Ramadan, refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those fasting. It is courteous to accept offers of tea or coffee when visiting a home, and to remove shoes if asked. Public displays of affection are discouraged. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases such as “thank you” (shukran) and “please” (min fadlak) goes a long way in building goodwill.