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How to tie the Arabic headscarf

By Qunoosh Published: May 08, 2024 Updated on: September 25, 2026 5 min read
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  1. Place the scarf on your head
    Fold it into a triangle or leave it square, depending on the style you want. Position the center over the top of your head.
  2. Adjust the sides
    Let both ends hang evenly on either side of your face.
  3. Cross the ends
    Take the two front/side corners and cross them behind your neck.
  4. Bring them forward
    Bring the crossed ends back around toward the front.
  5. Secure the scarf
    Tuck the ends underneath the fabric around your shoulders, or use a small pin if you want extra hold.
  6. Shape the front
    Pull the fabric slightly forward around your forehead and arrange the folds neatly.

For the classic Gulf/Ghutra look

A black agal is traditionally placed around the top of the ghutra to hold it in place. You can also wear the ghutra loosely without an agal for a more relaxed style.

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How to greet in Arabic
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How to greet in Arabic

Learning how to greet someone in Arabic is one of the easiest ways to make a good impression when visiting the UAE or another Arabic-speaking country. Whether you are meeting someone for the first time, entering a shop, speaking with a local guide, or simply saying hello, knowing a few Arabic greetings can make everyday interactions more friendly and respectful.The most widely recognized Arabic greeting is “As-salamu alaykum,” which means “Peace be upon you.” It is commonly used across the UAE and throughout the Arab world.What Is the Most Common Arabic Greeting?The most common Arabic greeting is:السلام عليكم — As-salamu alaykumIt literally means “Peace be upon you.”The traditional response is:وعليكم السلام — Wa alaykum as-salamThis means “And peace be upon you.”Both expressions are polite and appropriate in formal and everyday situations.Common Arabic Greetings1. As-Salamu Alaykum — السلام عليكمPronunciation: As-sa-laa-mu a-lay-kumMeaning: Peace be upon youThis is one of the most respectful and widely used greetings in Arabic. You can use it when meeting someone, entering a place, or starting a conversation.2. Wa Alaykum As-Salam — وعليكم السلامPronunciation: Wa a-lay-kum as-sa-laamMeaning: And peace be upon youThis is the standard response when someone says “As-salamu alaykum.”3. Marhaban — مرحباًPronunciation: Mar-ha-banMeaning: Hello“Marhaban” is a simple and friendly Arabic greeting. It can be used in many casual situations.4. Ahlan Wa Sahlan — أهلاً وسهلاًPronunciation: Ah-lan wa sah-lanMeaning: Welcome / HelloThis is a warm expression often used to welcome guests. You may hear it frequently when visiting hotels, restaurants, shops, and other places in the UAE.5. 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Masa Al-Khair — مساء الخيرPronunciation: Ma-saa al-khairMeaning: Good eveningThis greeting is commonly used later in the day and in the evening.A common response is:مساء النور — Masa an-NoorMeaning: Good evening.How to Say "How Are You?" in ArabicAfter greeting someone, you can ask how they are.To a Manكيف حالك؟ — Kayfa haluk?Meaning: How are you?In everyday Gulf Arabic, you may also hear:شلونك؟ — Shlonak?Meaning: How are you?To a Womanكيف حالكِ؟ — Kayfa haluki?Meaning: How are you?In Gulf Arabic, a woman may be addressed with:شلونج؟ — Shlonich?Meaning: How are you?How to Greet Someone in the UAEWhen visiting the UAE, a simple “As-salamu alaykum” is a respectful and widely understood greeting.For a more casual interaction, you can use:Marhaban — Helloor:Ahlan wa sahlan — Welcome / HelloThe appropriate greeting can depend on the situation, relationship, and level of formality.Arabic Greetings for TouristsIf you are visiting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or another UAE emirate, these basic phrases are useful:ArabicPronunciationEnglish Meaningالسلام عليكمAs-salamu alaykumHello / Peace be upon youوعليكم السلامWa alaykum as-salamReply to the greetingمرحباًMarhabanHelloأهلاً وسهلاًAhlan wa sahlanWelcomeصباح الخيرSabah al-khairGood morningمساء الخيرMasa al-khairGood eveningكيف حالك؟Kayfa haluk?How are you?شكراًShukranThank youمن فضلكMin fadlikPleaseمع السلامةMa'a as-salamaGoodbyeHow to Greet Someone Respectfully in ArabicWhen greeting people in the UAE, politeness and respect are important. 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What is Suhoor? What to eat in Sahur?
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What is Suhoor? What to eat in Sahur?

Suhoor, also spelled Sahur or Sehri, is the meal Muslims eat before dawn during Ramadan before beginning their daily fast. It is an important part of the Ramadan routine because it provides an opportunity to eat and drink before fasting begins.A well-balanced Suhoor can help you feel more comfortable and energized during the fasting day. The best meal usually combines complex carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, fiber, and plenty of fluids rather than relying heavily on sugary or highly processed foods.Whether you call it Suhoor, Sahur, or Sehri, the purpose is the same: to eat and drink before the dawn prayer and the beginning of the daily fast.What Is Suhoor?Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal eaten during Ramadan before fasting begins.Muslims observing Ramadan abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset. 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Your first hot air balloon ride is a mix of excitement and questions. What time do I need to be up? Will it be cold? Does it feel scary? What happens when we land?This step-by-step guide takes you through a typical morning so nothing comes as a surprise.Quick AnswerExpect a pickup around 4–5 am, a drive to the desert of around an hour, refreshments and a safety briefing while the balloons are inflated, then up to 60 minutes of flight at sunrise. After a gentle landing you receive your flight certificate and, depending on your package, enjoy breakfast, a camel ride and archery before returning to Dubai by late morning.Before You Go: Booking EssentialsPassport copy for every passenger, needed at booking (GCAA regulation)Each passenger's weight, also at booking. Passengers over 119 kg (260 lbs) need an additional seat.Age: 5 to 80 yearsHealth: not suitable for pregnant women, or for people with heart conditions, severe back or knee problems, major surgery in the last 6 months or a fear of heightsYou'll get your pickup time the evening before. Flights depend on the weather, so keep your phone on in case of any change.Step-by-Step: Your Balloon Morning1. Early pickup (around 4–5 am)A 4x4 collects you from your hotel. On shared packages, the driver may make a few stops for other guests. Most people doze on the drive. If you've chosen the self-drive option, you'll get directions to the meeting point with your confirmation.2. Arrival at the launch siteYou arrive in the dark to a traditional majlis with tea, coffee and light refreshments. There are basic toilet facilities here; use them, as there aren't any on the balloon.3. Safety briefing and waiverThe crew explains how to get in and out of the basket and how to hold the landing position. Everyone signs a waiver. Listen carefully; it only takes a few minutes.4. Watching the inflationFans blow cold air into the envelopes, then the burners heat it and the balloons slowly rise off the sand. It's loud, bright and spectacular. Get your camera ready (see our photography tips).5. Climbing inOnce the balloon is upright, you climb into the basket using footholds in its side. It's a bit of a scramble, which is why you need to be moderately fit.6. Take-offThis surprises most first-timers: you barely feel it. There's no jolt; the ground just quietly drops away. Because you move with the wind, it feels calm, even at height.7. The flight (up to 60 minutes)The sun rises over the dunes, the other balloons spread across the sky, and the pilot changes altitude to find the best winds and views. Between burner blasts, it's remarkably quiet. Read more about what you'll see from the balloon.8. LandingThe pilot tells you when to take the landing position: knees bent, back to the direction of travel and holding the handles. Most landings are gentle. On a breezy morning, the basket may bump, tip onto its side or slide a little way, which is completely normal.9. Flight certificate and activitiesEveryone receives an official flight certificate. Then, depending on your package, you'll have a buffet breakfast at the desert camp, a camel ride, archery, a quad bike ride or a vintage Land Rover ride.10. Return to DubaiYou're driven back to your hotel, usually arriving by late morning. Most people are pleasantly tired, so plan something relaxed for the afternoon.How It FeelsMotion sickness? Very rare, as the balloon moves smoothly with the wind.Scary? Most people find it much calmer than expected. That said, it isn't recommended for anyone with a fear of heights.Hot or cold? Cold on the ground before dawn, especially November to March. Warm under the burners, and warmer again once the sun is up.Noisy? The burners roar in short bursts. In between, it's silent.What to WearLayers: a light jacket or fleece you can take off after sunriseClosed-toe flat shoes: the landing site is sandy and unevenA cap or hat: the burners overhead give off heatAvoid long loose scarves, dresses that make climbing difficult, and high heelsFor more ideas, see our desert outfit guide.What to BringPhone or camera with a strap, fully chargedSmall bag you can hold on your lap in the car (space in the basket is tight)Sunglasses for after sunriseAny medication you needCash or card for photos or souvenirsBest Packages for a First FlightFor most first-timers, we recommend the Deluxe package with breakfast: the complete sunrise morning, with time at the desert camp to relax afterwards. If you're watching your budget, the Standard flight gives you the same time in the air. Not sure? Read Standard vs Deluxe vs Adventure.[tours codes="AUT-HB-03,AUT-HB-01,AUT-HB-02"]What If the Flight Is Cancelled?All flights depend on the weather and may be rescheduled or cancelled for safety, sometimes at the last minute. If the operator cancels, you can choose another date or receive a refund. Tip: book your flight early in your trip, so there's time to reschedule if needed.Frequently Asked QuestionsDo I need to be fit?Moderately. You need to climb in and out of the basket without help and stand for up to an hour.Can I bring a bag?Keep it small. Space in the basket is limited, and the crew may ask you to leave larger bags in the vehicle.Is breakfast included?It's included in the Deluxe, Adventure, Vintage Land Rover and Overnight packages. The Standard package includes refreshments but not breakfast.Ready for your first flight? Browse all hot air balloon rides in Dubai.

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