Culture & Traditions

Jordan's culture is a rich blend of traditions characterized by warm hospitality and a profound connection to its heritage. Jordanians are renowned for their cordiality, creating an inviting atmosphere for travellers.

The culture in Jordan is a harmonious fusion of influences due to its historic role as a crossroads of civilizations. Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in urban areas and among the younger generation. Jordan's population is predominantly Muslim, with a substantial Christian minority. However, the nation is home to a variety of other religious and ethnic communities, including Circassians and Bedouins. This religious diversity enriches the cultural landscape of Jordan.

Traditional attire remains an integral part of Jordanian culture. Jordanian men frequently wear the dishdasha (a long robe) and head covering, while women may be seen in the abaya or hijab. In urban areas, Western-style clothing is also prevalent.

Jordan's traditional music and dance forms, including dabke, serve as expressions of cultural heritage. These performances frequently accompany celebrations and special events, uniting people through music and rhythmic movements.

What is the visiting etiquette in Jordan?

In Jordan, formal greetings are a customary aspect of interactions. Expressing marhaba (hello) and salam (peace) when entering homes or shops is not only polite but deeply ingrained in the culture. Hospitality is highly esteemed, and guests are treated with the utmost respect. Offering tea or coffee is a common practice, and it's considered impolite to decline. If you must decline, stop to chat for just a moment, and with a smile, say shukran (thank you), followed by marra okhra, insha’allah (another time, if God wills it).

Try to dress conservatively. Make sure your legs and arms are covered in Jordan. Walking around in shorts will be received like walking outside in your underwear at home! Many Jordanian women who choose not to wear a head scarf prefer to wear their hair up above their shoulders, which can help deter unwanted attention.

What is Jordan best known for?

The Nabataean city of Petra is Jordan’s blockbuster attraction, with its dramatic Treasury façade and the rock walls of the Siq. The desert landscapes of Wadi Rum were similarly immortalized in popular films like Lawrence of Arabia among many others. Jordan also boasts a wide variety of Roman ruins, and many sites dating back to biblical history.

What are some Jordanian traditions?

If you’re asked to participate in a coffee and or tea ceremony in Jordan, accept. Not only is it polite, but you’ll learn a lot about Jordanian social culture by doing so. That said, such invitations can happen often in Jordan, so see the above notes about visiting culture for the best, least insulting way to excuse yourself. 
A Bedouin dinner is a fantastic opportunity to see an important Jordanian tradition up close. About four million Bedouins inhabit the region today, retaining their original culinary customs among others. While there are points of etiquette to Bedouin dining, you won’t be expected to know them as a visitor. Relax, enjoy, and take the opportunity to interact and learn.

What are Jordanians like socially?

Introverts beware, personal space isn’t really a thing in Jordan, and neither is queuing. Don’t be afraid to assert yourself (politely, of course), and don’t be surprised if even this doesn’t always work. Jordanians are just very used to being open with others, and consider doing so to be an act of hospitality.

A Jordanian man is also quite likely to clasp another man’s hand while talking or even walking in the street. This is a cultural norm that has nothing to do with sexual orientation. While same-sex relationships are legal in Jordan, two men who plainly aren’t Middle Eastern holding hands in public will attract stares. Younger Jordanians are less bothered about public displays of affection such as hand-holding.

Jordanians are also generous to a fault. While it’s polite to compliment someone’s home if invited inside, keep your praise generalized. Heap too much praise on a specific artwork or furnishing, and you might walk away with an unexpected and awkward gift!

What languages do Jordanians speak?

Most all communities in Jordan speak Arabic, day to day. English is also commonly used in Jordanian media.