Men greeting Men – During initial meetings a light handshake with the right hand is common.  For friends and relatives a kiss on both cheeks tends to be the norm. First right to right and then left to left accompanied with a hug and back slapping while shaking hands with the right hand.

Women greeting Women - During initial meetings a light handshake with the right hand or a simple nod of acknowledgment is common. For friends and relatives a kiss on both cheeks tends to be the norm. First right to right and then left to left accompanied with a hug and while shaking hands with the right hand.

Greetings between Men & Women – A handshake may be acceptable in certain circumstances. Cheek kissing is acceptable if they are very closely related, but the most common greeting would be a slight bow of the head and a greeting of “salaam aleikum” which should be replied to with “waaleikum us salam”.  It is taboo for religiously observant men to touch women and vice-versa

Note: Among Egyptians greeting is an important aspect of the culture.  It can be lengthy and it is polite to ask the other how they are, how is their health, the well-being of their family, etc.