Business and household culture of Jordan

Jordan is famous all over the world for carved into the rocks, at the bottom of a narrow gorge, the ancient city of Petra, the Dead Sea, deserts, a huge Christian heritage, biblical places. It has the status of the most calm and safe country in the Arab world.

Hospitality

As mentioned earlier, Jordan — the most stable and secure Arab country in the Middle East. Crime and interfaith conflicts are kept to a minimum here. In addition, the locals, mostly Bedouins, are extremely friendly and hospitable people. Such sincere attention and care for other people, including foreigners, is hard to find anywhere else in the world. The culture of the Jordanians from time immemorial has a special respect for guests.

Peculiarities of mentality

Jordan — Muslim country, and many local traditions and customs have a religious connotation.

Worth remembering:

• A man, regardless of age and position, always introduces himself to a woman first.
• Younger in age or official position should be introduced to elders: a young man is introduced to a man, a man — sheikh, etc.
• If the acquaintances are equal in age and position, then a single person should be presented to a married person, and an unmarried woman — married.
• When meeting and meeting, it is customary to shake hands. For this, it is the right hand that should be served.
• A woman does not touch an unfamiliar man, even when greeting, limited to a nod of her head.
• You should be careful with active gestures in public, as some movements may be misunderstood by Jordanians. For most gestures, the inhabitants of the country use the right hand, since the left is associated with the concept of "impurity".
• In men's conversations, the wife should not be touched, except in extreme cases (for example, serious health problems).
• Muslims do not consume alcohol or pork.
• A lady's behavior will be considered obscene if she sits in the front seat of a car.
• Before you take a picture of someone or something, ask if it's okay to take it.

Business culture

You should not be surprised or angry at the leisurely pace of life of the Jordanians and some of their forgetfulness. The East, as you know, is a delicate matter, which means that there is no need to rush here. Therefore, if your business visit to an Arab country is scheduled by the hour, then be prepared for the fact that the program will undergo changes. In addition, the Arab will have to be reminded of this or that matter several times. In Jordan, it is customary to start any conversation by asking your interlocutor about his success, health, and family. Moreover, these questions do not require detailed answers, the interest is more ritual than sincere.

The Jordanians keep their word and expect the same from their partners. If there is an agreement, it must be carried out. There are a lot of Egyptians living in Jordan, who often go for deception, which makes the Jordanians put them in their place.

Before reporting their opinion on a particular issue, Jordanians prefer to consult and express a collective point of view. Individuality in decision-making is not put in the foreground here. Jordanians prefer a preliminary study of the details of the issues under discussion. They tend to avoid a categorical "no", even if they fundamentally disagree with their interlocutor.

Arabs very often rely on the historical traditions of their country and often use bargaining as an interaction with partners.

Jordan — not a country where lengthy monologues are appropriate, local residents are more impressed by a lively dialogue.

Appearance

Men's clothing — standard business suit. It is not necessary to walk in shorts in your free time from business visits, it is better to prefer trousers to them. Women's clothing — a dress or skirt no higher than the knees, it is better to do without a deep neckline and too bright or transparent fabrics. It is not recommended to wear too many catchy jewelry, a woman should be modest.

Peculiarities of banks

Local banks are usually open from 08.30 to 12.30 and from 15.30 to 17.30 from Saturday to Thursday. Ticket offices close at 12.30. During Ramadan, most banks close at 10:00 am. Payment for services and goods is made in dinars.

About the severity of fasting and holidays

Like most Muslims (about 92% of the population is Sunni Muslim), Jordanians are zealous about their national and religious feelings. In conversations, you need to try your best not to offend them. Especially strict orders during the period when Muslims fast. During this time, eating, smoking or drinking alcohol in crowded places is considered indecent and offensive. Foreigners are also advised to exercise restraint during fasting, especially in public places.

Official holidays in Jordan are Friday and Saturday, some institutions are closed on Sunday as well. In addition, holidays are non-working days: January 1, May 1 and May 25 (Jordan's Independence Day).