One misplaced name card at an official dinner, or a guest greeted in the wrong order, can say more about an organisation than months of careful messaging. This is exactly the kind of risk that trained protocol officers exist to prevent, and it is the starting point of this Protocol and Diplomatic Etiquette Training Course from the Arab British Fellowship Training Academy.

The course builds participants' command of the diplomatic principles and practices that shape interaction between individuals and institutions, then applies them directly to organising official events, hosting VIPs, and communicating across cultures. By the end, participants are able to act with confidence and professionalism in both international and local official settings.

Who should attend?

• Public relations staff, diplomats, and embassy or consulate employees.
• Event and conference coordinators, and anyone involved in organising official events.
• Administrative staff at international and local organisations.
• Anyone looking to develop their protocol and business-etiquette skills.

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

• Apply the basic rules of diplomatic protocol in official events with confidence.
• Communicate and behave in a way that reflects a professional image when dealing with public figures.
• Prepare and run official events while staying within established protocol.
• Handle international and local situations that call for detailed protocol knowledge.
• Build a strong professional network through skilled communication and an understanding of international interaction protocols.

Module 1: Protocol Etiquette in Everyday Official Interaction

• Ideal behaviour, greetings, and compliments in official meetings.
• The importance of attire and personal appearance at official events.

Module 2: Foundations and History of Diplomatic Protocol

• Definition of diplomatic protocol and its importance.
• History and evolution of protocol in international relations, and its role in institutional relationships.

Module 3: Rank, Precedence, and Official Correspondence

• Hierarchy and precedence at official events, and diplomatic seating arrangements.
• Handling official correspondence and documents according to protocol.

Module 4: Planning and Running Official Events

• Basic steps for preparing and organising large-scale events, and coordinating between departments.
• Logistics, seating arrangements, hospitality, and managing guest lists.

Module 5: Welcoming and Hosting VIPs

• Strategies for welcoming VIPs, managing invitations, and arrival and departure timing.
• Specific rules for engaging with presidents, ministers, and monarchs.

Module 6: Protocol in International Meetings and Major Events

• Interacting with diplomatic delegations and government representatives.
• Procedural protocol at global conferences and coordination between countries.

Module 7: Official Documentation and Legal Compliance

• Writing official correspondence, letters, and presentations according to protocol.
• Documenting events and protocol decisions, and ensuring compliance with legal and administrative rules.

Module 8: Protocol Across Cultures

• Handling cultural differences and challenges in multicultural events.
• Coordinating with participants of different nationalities while maintaining etiquette and respect.