In communication, speakes tend to have a polite conversation using appropriate strategies, the aim of this study is to examine the politeness strategies used by Arab and Malaysian students in making request. Also, to reveal the similarities and differences of the request strategies employed by the students. The data of the study were collected qualitatively using interview as a data collection instrument. Six post-graduate students were interviewed, three Arab and three Malay living in Malaysia. The study adopted Blum-Kulka, House, & Kasper, (1989) as a theoretical framework to analyse the data. The results of the study showed that Malay respondents used more indirect strategies (hints, query preparatory, hedged performative). while Arabs respondents tend to use an explicit form and direct request strategies (want statements, hints). The students use of different strategies might be attributed to the different cultural backgrounds.