Cultural guide to doing business in Amman, Jordan
General behaviour in Jordan follows Arab norms (see sections on Syria and Saudi Arabia). Be prepared for great politeness and hospitality and be aware that by accepting gracefully you are showing honour to your host. Jordanians like to pay compliments so feel free to reciprocate. Treat the opposite gender with respect but not familiarity. A man meeting a woman for the first time should wait for her to extend her hand in greeting. Don't talk too loudly or use expansive gestures, which may be considered uncultured. You may politely refuse invitations twice before accepting the third time. In conversation, avoid touchy political subjects (especially local ones) and definitely derogatory humour or sarcasm.
If invited for a meal, accept. Sit down with those of your own gender. Follow the lead of your host in eating with cutlery or hands, and always use the right hand. If passed food from someone else's hand, take it as this is an important gesture of acceptance. Leave a little food on your plate when you've finished eating. This is a sign that your host has provided adequately for you.
It's best to dress formally and conservatively for business in Jordan, in suit and tie or equivalent. Women should aim to abide by normal Arab standards of modesty so avoid low necklines or dresses that come above the knees. Don't be led astray by locals who dress less formally. Conservative attire is still respected.
You should always aim to be on time for meetings, while being prepared for the fact that your counterpart may well be late. It's not advisable to arrive early. Never take offence if meetings are cancelled, postponed, interrupted or include other people. This is normal. Offices in Jordan have open doors, literally and proverbially.
Business cards with colour, graphics or photos will impress as will those with your details translated into Arabic. Titles are important in Jordan. Use yours if you have one and if your counterpart is Professor, Doctor or Engineer, use this title in correspondence. When you get to know him better, try an Arabic title such as Yasidi, Ya'amo (for a different generation) or Ya'bek (for a police or army officer). Personal relationships are central to doing business. Always make an effort to get to know your counterpart socially before getting down to the deal.
The working week is Sunday through Thursday, generally 9am to 7pm, with a two hour lunch break from 1 to 3pm. Some business people may also be available on Saturdays. During the month of Ramadan, there is no lunch break and work will end around 2 or 3 pm; this is not a good time to do business nor are the other Muslim holidays: Islamic New Year, Birth of the Prophet, Prophet's Ascension, Eid al-Adha (variable dates, following the Islamic lunar calendar). Other public holidays in Jordan are 1 January, 30 January (King's birthday), 25 May (Independence), 10 June (Army), 14 November (King Hussein Remembrance). Easter and Christmas are observed by Christian business establishments.
International dialling code: +962