A single mishandled introduction, a guest seated wrong, or an email pitched at the wrong register can undo weeks of careful relationship-building. This training programme from the Arab British Fellowship Training Academy exists to close that gap, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to master professional protocol, etiquette, and guest hospitality in formal and professional settings.

The programme focuses on managing official events, meetings, and diplomatic occasions with confidence and professionalism. Participants learn the rules of personal communication, formal correspondence, and event and hospitality organisation according to international standards, gaining the skills to interact effectively with diverse individuals and official levels — improving both personal and organisational image. By the end of the programme, attendees will be able to apply protocol and etiquette principles proficiently across a wide range of formal and professional occasions.

Who Should Attend?

• Public relations staff and executive assistants in governmental and private institutions.
• Protocol and hospitality officers in official and diplomatic events.
• Managers and administrative team members responsible for organizing meetings and events.
• Individuals seeking to enhance professional etiquette and communication skills in the workplace.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• Read a formal situation quickly enough to know which protocol rules actually apply.
• Welcome guests and organize official or professional events the way international standards expect.
• Communicate personally and professionally at a level that holds up with senior or unfamiliar audiences.
• Interact confidently with a wide range of personalities and official levels without losing composure.
• Apply hospitality and etiquette skills practically in everyday workplace situations, not just at set-piece events.

• Why Protocol Shapes How People See You and Your Organisation

  • What protocol and etiquette actually mean, and why they matter more than they get credit for.
  • The real difference between formal and social etiquette, and when each applies.
  • How a single protocol misstep can shift someone's read on an entire organisation.

• Formal Conduct, First Impressions and Personal Appearance

  • Rules of conduct that hold up in meetings and official events.
  • Managing first impressions deliberately instead of leaving them to chance.
  • Choosing appropriate attire and personal conduct for each type of occasion.
  • Reading and managing body language so it supports the message.

• Welcoming Guests and Running Formal Hospitality

  • Professional methods for welcoming guests from the moment they arrive.
  • Organising hospitality areas and handling food and beverage service properly.
  • Rules for handling guests specifically in official occasions.

• Written and Verbal Communication in Formal Settings

  • Writing official correspondence that follows protocol rules without sounding stiff.
  • Using appropriately formal language with guests and clients.
  • Techniques for communicating clearly and politely, in writing and in person.

• Etiquette in Meetings, Events and Difficult Moments

  • Rules of conduct that apply specifically during formal meetings.
  • Delivering presentations and interventions professionally, under time pressure.
  • Handling dialogue and difficult situations with composure.

• Hosting Official and Diplomatic Events

  • Preparing and coordinating formal events from planning through execution.
  • Managing time and event flow according to protocol expectations, and interacting appropriately with official and diplomatic figures.
  • Rules for serving and consuming food at formal tables, proper use of tableware, and managing table conversation courteously.

• Practicing Protocol and Keeping Up With Modern Trends

  • Running guest-reception scenarios to put what's been learned into practice.
  • Conducting meetings and events professionally, then evaluating performance and using feedback to improve.
  • Applying protocol in the digital era, including virtual meetings, and updating etiquette practices to match international standards.