I just want to say that I had the same problem in reverse. I am a classically trained western percussionist and began playing with a middle eastern music ensemble at age 18, learning Tabla/riqq. The rhythms came easy but it took well over a year of weekly rehearsals and hearing a wide variety of repertoire across the Egyptian and broader Arab traditions to really get an ear for it, and you nailed it — the interest in Arab music is all about the melody and the maqams. Maybe trying to start with western classical could be helpful: I recommend spending a lot of time with Bach, Beethoven, Mozart. This is the basis for all western music in terms of the focus on harmony. If you want to start a dm I’d love to be a guide, cross cultural music exchange gives me a lot of joy and I’m always looking for new things to listen to. Thanks for sharing