A single mishandled introduction, a wrong seating order, or a missed formality at the wrong moment can undo months of relationship-building with a VIP guest. That is precisely the risk this VIP Protocol, Etiquette and Formalities training course, delivered by the Arab British Fellowship Training Academy, is designed to eliminate.

Protocol and etiquette are not decorative rituals — they are a practical language of respect, rooted in the idea that every human being deserves to be treated with dignity, without exaggeration or neglect. Drawing on customs and practices from multiple cultures and in line with modern international protocol standards, the course prepares officers and staff who deal with VIPs to represent their organisation with confidence in any official setting.

After completing the programme, participants will be able to:

• Apply the core rules and principles of protocol and etiquette in real official situations.
• Plan and manage a VIP visit, including reception, seating, and farewell arrangements.
• Master the etiquette of greetings, introductions, and conversation in formal interviews.
• Organise banquets and official gatherings, including seating plans and dining etiquette.
• Avoid the most common protocol mistakes made in high-level offices and public relations work.
• Handle the practical and legislative aspects of running a protocol office.

Who Should Attend?

• Protocol officers responsible for organising conferences and official events.
• Staff assigned to receive and accompany VIPs and official delegations.
• Employees of diplomatic and governmental protocol offices.
• Public relations professionals working with senior officials.
• Executives and administrative staff of media and corporate institutions.

Module 1: The Protocol Office Inside a Modern Organisation

• How executive and protocol offices strengthen the organisation's image, politically, socially and economically.
• The skills, qualifications and legislation required to work in senior protocol offices.
• Planning and coordinating the office's activity, including setting goals and follow-up.

Module 2: Foundations of Protocol and Etiquette

• Defining protocol and etiquette and the principles behind them.
• The etiquette of handshakes, greetings, introductions, and conversation in official interviews.
• Effective communication skills needed specifically for protocol work.

Module 3: Hosting and Hospitality Standards

• Setting up tables and banquets, seating arrangements, and dining etiquette.
• Reception and farewell procedures, including transport arrangements for VIPs.
• Preparing and sending official invitations correctly.

Module 4: Understanding and Engaging VIPs

• Reading personality types and choosing the right conversation style for each.
• Scheduling official appointments and interviews for senior figures.
• The most common mistakes made when preparing a VIP's visit programme, and how to avoid them.

Module 5: Running the Protocol Function Strategically

• Public relations, media, and advertising: the differences and how each supports protocol work.
• The advisory role of the protocol office manager within the organisation.
• Organising public relations programmes and activities linked to the protocol office.