Arabic coffee is prepared a number of ways in the Middle East and each person has their own preferred method. It is usually ordered 'maZbuut' which means 'just right' and is sweet. It can also be ordered 'ziyaada' (insanely loaded with sugar), ''a-riiHa' (with just a touch of sugar), or 'saada' (without sugar) although this is traditionally served in periods of mourning. According to Egyptians, the mark of a well-made cup of Arabic coffee is the 'wish' or face of foamy, bitter liquid floating on top.
The best place to pick up this type of coffee, if you're in Cairo, is 'Abd al-Ma'boud, which is a roastery in midaan Falaki near the foot bridge. The Ethiopian miHawwig (spiced)is my favorite.