A single seating mistake, a mishandled introduction, or the wrong tone in an official letter can undo weeks of careful relationship-building. In diplomatic, governmental, and corporate settings alike, protocol is not decoration — it is risk management for reputation.

This training course from the Arab British Fellowship Training Academy builds the practical judgement behind good protocol: reading official situations correctly, planning and running formal events without missteps, and adapting etiquette across cultures so participants represent their organisation with confidence in any setting, local or international.

Who Should Attend?

• Executive directors and leaders engaging with international partners or large-scale events.
• Public relations employees interacting with clients and official partners.
• Employees in governmental bodies and embassies organising official events.
• Employees in global companies working across multicultural environments.

By the End of the Course, You Will Be Able To:

• Distinguish between ceremonies, etiquette, and protocol, and apply each correctly.
• Handle official guests and public figures professionally in any formal setting.
• Plan and coordinate official events without protocol missteps.
• Adapt etiquette across cultures and avoid common cross-cultural mistakes.

• Module 1: Why Protocol Mistakes Cost More Than You Think

  • The difference between ceremonies, etiquette, and protocol.
  • The importance of these skills in personal and professional life.
  • The role of protocol in effective official communication.

• Module 2: Everyday Professional Etiquette

  • Proper behaviour in face-to-face and digital interactions.
  • Etiquette for official writing and correspondence.
  • Common mistakes to avoid in official communication.

• Module 3: Understanding Official Protocol Types

  • Protocols for formal meetings and official correspondence.
  • Preparing for and conducting formal meetings professionally.
  • Handling differences and unexpected issues during official gatherings.

• Module 4: Receiving and Engaging Official Guests

  • How to interact with senior personalities and official guests.
  • Seating arrangements, greetings, and farewells in formal settings.
  • Hospitality protocols, including presenting gifts appropriately.

• Module 5: Planning and Running Official Events

  • Steps for preparing, planning, and choosing the right venue.
  • Coordinating with event management teams and delegating roles.
  • Proper conduct and dining etiquette for attendees during events.

• Module 6: Media and Public Interaction Etiquette

  • Etiquette for media interviews and press interaction.
  • General guidelines for speaking in public settings.

• Module 7: Working Across Cultures

  • Respecting cultural differences when dealing with international personalities.
  • How culture shapes protocol, and adapting to different traditions.

• Module 8: International Teams and Global Protocol

  • Building professional relationships across diverse cultures.
  • Handling sensitive cultural situations and international meeting protocols.

• Module 9: Building Cross-Cultural Communication Skills

  • Building cultural bridges in international work environments.
  • Language and cultural skills for effective long-term relationships.