In Qatari hospitality etiquette, what physical gesture does a guest make with their small coffee cup (Finjan) to politely indicate to the host that they do not desire another pour of Gahwa?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Gently tilting and shaking the cup from side to side with a twist of the wrist

  1. Step 1: According to centuries-old Qatari and Bedouin hospitality traditions (Sano'), Gahwa is poured with the left hand holding the Dallah and the right hand offering the Finjan.
  2. Step 2: When a guest has had enough coffee, they gently shake the cup from side to side two or three times with a flick of the wrist before handing it back.
  3. Step 3: If the guest hands the cup back still without shaking it, the host will immediately refill it.
Answer
Gently tilting and shaking the cup from side to side with a twist of the wrist.
Why not the others: 'Placing the cup upside down' is considered impolite; 'Leaving the cup half full' breaches dining etiquette as guests are expected to finish the pour; 'Holding the cup with both hands above eye level' is not an Arabian hospitality custom.

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