How Does Sunday & Holiday Hours Work in Jordan?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Middle East
1The Quick Answer
Friday is Jordan's holy day — government offices close Friday morning and many businesses operate a Saturday–Thursday week.
2What You Need to Know
Jordan's official government and business week runs Saturday to Thursday, with Friday as the weekly day of prayer and rest. Friday morning is largely given over to Jumu'ah (Friday prayers) and many local businesses, banks, and government offices are closed or run reduced hours. Major tourist attractions — Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea — are generally open seven days a week. Ramadan significantly shifts all operating hours: restaurants open after sunset for iftar, businesses run reduced daytime service, and alcohol restrictions increase. Islamic public holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year) cause widespread closures for several days.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Visit Petra and Jerash on weekdays (Saturday–Thursday) to avoid Jordanian weekend (Friday–Saturday) crowds from Amman
- 2During Ramadan, plan sightseeing for the morning and enjoy the vibrant iftar atmosphere at local restaurants after sunset — the atmosphere is special
- 3Check Islamic holiday dates before booking travel — Eid al-Adha in particular causes multi-day closures across the country
Important Warning
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking visibly in public during daylight hours is disrespectful and illegal — this applies to non-Muslim tourists and can attract police attention.
How does this compare?
Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in nearby and similar countries:
The UAE weekend is Saturday–Sunday. Businesses close on Friday for prayers. Malls are open 7 days a week. Ramadan significantly changes all hours.
Friday is the holy day in Egypt — many businesses close Friday morning, and the work week officially runs Sunday to Thursday.
Friday is Morocco's holy day with mosque attendance and partial business closures at midday, while souks follow their own complex weekly schedules.
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