Manners in Sudan

Learn about cultural etiquette and manners of this country

Africa / Eastern Africa

Greetings

  • Handshake
  • Placing right hand on chest
  • Assalamu Alaikum

Etiquette

  • The left hand is considered unclean; do not use it for eating or handshaking
  • Use honorific titles "Sheikh" or "Hajj" for elders
  • Always request permission before taking photographs
  • Women should dress modestly; scarves are advisable in public places
  • In Islamic regions, avoid eating, drinking, and smoking during daylight hours in Ramadan
  • Three cups of hospitality coffee "Jabana" is customary
  • Removing shoes before entering homes is common practice
  • Intimate physical contact in public is not favored
  • Offices and shops close during Friday noon prayers
  • Price negotiation (haggling) is customary in markets
  • Greetings are lengthy with mutual inquiries about well-being
  • Blood donation and charity are encouraged as religious acts

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