Greetings Etiquette in Yemen

Greetings in Yemen are usually warm and fairly formal: men commonly exchange a handshake and ask after each other’s health and family before getting to business, while close friends may add a light cheek kiss or a hand-to-heart gesture. When greeting women, wait for her lead and use a verbal greeting unless she offers a handshake, and in more conservative settings it is normal to greet the eldest or most respected person first.