• The son of Jordanian imam Ahmad Al Harasis reads the Quran at his home in Jordan's capital Amman, ahead of taraweeh, an evening prayer performed during Ramadan. Reuters
    The son of Jordanian imam Ahmad Al Harasis reads the Quran at his home in Jordan's capital Amman, ahead of taraweeh, an evening prayer performed during Ramadan. Reuters
  • Ahmad Al Harasis prays at an empty mosque in Amman, Jordan. Prayers by worshippers in holy places are currently suspended due to Covid-19 restrictions. Reuters
    Ahmad Al Harasis prays at an empty mosque in Amman, Jordan. Prayers by worshippers in holy places are currently suspended due to Covid-19 restrictions. Reuters
  • Pedestrians walk along a street decorated for Ramadan in Amman. Reuters
    Pedestrians walk along a street decorated for Ramadan in Amman. Reuters
  • A woman and a child carry balloons after Eid Al Fitr prayers in Amman. Reuters
    A woman and a child carry balloons after Eid Al Fitr prayers in Amman. Reuters
  • Children race to get balloons during Eid Al Fitr celebrations in Amman. Reuters
    Children race to get balloons during Eid Al Fitr celebrations in Amman. Reuters
  • Children enjoy a ride on a makeshift swing during Eid Al Fitr in Amman. AP photo
    Children enjoy a ride on a makeshift swing during Eid Al Fitr in Amman. AP photo
  • Shoppers and stallholders at a busy market ahead of Ramadan in Amman. AFP
    Shoppers and stallholders at a busy market ahead of Ramadan in Amman. AFP
  • Market traders in Amman offer fresh produce to residents preparing for iftar, during Ramadan. AFP
    Market traders in Amman offer fresh produce to residents preparing for iftar, during Ramadan. AFP
  • Jordan's government has said taraweeh prayers will not be held in mosques during Ramadan, in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus. AFP
    Jordan's government has said taraweeh prayers will not be held in mosques during Ramadan, in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus. AFP

Ramadan 2022 in Jordan: Working hours, shop opening times and all you need to know


  • English
  • Arabic

Jordanian authorities have lifted almost all coronavirus restrictions since last Ramadan although vaccination rates in the kingdom remain low.

Officials justified the move as necessary to spur economic activity, after a sharp slowdown in the last decade, aggravated by the pandemic.

Only 40 per cent of Jordan's 10 million population have been vaccinated, Health Ministry data shows.

Unlike last Ramadan there are no curfews and mosques can house a full capacity of worshippers. The only rule worshippers should observe is to wear a mask. Restaurants and other businesses are no longer restricted in how many customers they can serve.

Official figures show at least 14,000 people have died of Covid-19 in Jordan, almost double the number of deaths at the onset of last Ramadan. More than 1.68 million infections have been recorded, compared with 665,000 last Ramadan.

Those travelling to Jordan are no longer required to show a negative PCR test before they board flights to the kingdom or cross its land borders. But they are still required to fill out a Covid-19-related data sheet online.

Government departments work shorter hours during Ramadan and are open from 10am to 3pm. The shorter hours do not apply to the private sector.

Here’s everything you need to know about Ramadan 2022:

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic – or Hijri – calendar. It is also believed to be the month the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.

Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset on every day of the month, which is typically either 29 or 30 days in length.

As well as abstaining from food and drink, Muslims strengthen their faith through prayer and increased recitation of the Quran.

When does Ramadan begin?

Ramadan will most probably start on April 2. Jordan has traditionally followed Saudi Arabia by declaring the start of Ramadan on the same day as Riyadh, although Jordan’s Religious Affairs Ministry assigns staff to look for the new crescent moon on the 29th day of Shaban to determine when the next month begins.

  • Egyptian craftsmen produce Ramadan lanterns, called fanous, at a workshop in Cairo. EPA
    Egyptian craftsmen produce Ramadan lanterns, called fanous, at a workshop in Cairo. EPA
  • An activist of the Al Khidmat Foundation Pakistan, a non-profit organisation, packs iftar food to be sent to Afghanistan, in Peshawar, in preparation for the start of Ramadan. AFP
    An activist of the Al Khidmat Foundation Pakistan, a non-profit organisation, packs iftar food to be sent to Afghanistan, in Peshawar, in preparation for the start of Ramadan. AFP
  • Youths hold torches at a parade to welcome the holy month in Jakarta, Indonesia. EPA
    Youths hold torches at a parade to welcome the holy month in Jakarta, Indonesia. EPA
  • Palestinian volunteers clean the Al-Aqsa compound, in front of the Dome of Rock Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City. AP
    Palestinian volunteers clean the Al-Aqsa compound, in front of the Dome of Rock Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City. AP
  • Palestinians shop for traditional 'fanous', a decoration used to celebrate the start of Ramadan, in Hebron in the occupied West Bank. AFP
    Palestinians shop for traditional 'fanous', a decoration used to celebrate the start of Ramadan, in Hebron in the occupied West Bank. AFP
  • A Quran reading at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. EPA
    A Quran reading at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. EPA
  • A man cleans a mosque in the run-up to Ramadan in Peshawar, Pakistan. EPA
    A man cleans a mosque in the run-up to Ramadan in Peshawar, Pakistan. EPA
  • A vendor sells dates in Peshawar. EPA
    A vendor sells dates in Peshawar. EPA
  • A Palestinian man tries to attract custom for his fanous in Jerusalem. AFP
    A Palestinian man tries to attract custom for his fanous in Jerusalem. AFP
  • A Palestinian craftsman works on a section of an Islamic-style monument that consists of lantern and a crescent, two symbols of the Islamic holy month, in the West Bank city of Ramallah. AP
    A Palestinian craftsman works on a section of an Islamic-style monument that consists of lantern and a crescent, two symbols of the Islamic holy month, in the West Bank city of Ramallah. AP
  • Palestinians shop at Al-Zawya old market in Gaza city in preparation for Ramadan. AFP
    Palestinians shop at Al-Zawya old market in Gaza city in preparation for Ramadan. AFP
  • Shopping for decorations in Al-Zawya old market in Gaza city, in preparation for Ramadan. AFP
    Shopping for decorations in Al-Zawya old market in Gaza city, in preparation for Ramadan. AFP
  • A woman buys a Ramadan decoration in Beirut. EPA
    A woman buys a Ramadan decoration in Beirut. EPA
  • A shopkeeper sells prayer mats in Peshawar. EPA
    A shopkeeper sells prayer mats in Peshawar. EPA

What are the Covid-19 rules in Jordan during Ramadan?

There are no longer any coronavirus rules in place in Jordan, except for mask-wearing indoors in places such as shopping centres and supermarkets.

Vaccination is not mandatory but businesses, such as supermarkets and most shops, are required to ask customers for proof of vaccination before letting them in. The requirement, however, is rarely enforced.

Are group iftars allowed in Jordan during Ramadan?

They are now allowed after having been banned last Ramadan. Restaurants are also open for customers dining in.

What etiquette should I follow if I’m not fasting this Ramadan?

Eating in public during fasting hours in Ramadan is frowned upon in Jordan and is technically illegal, so could result in arrest or a fine. This also applies to smoking.

Alcohol shops are closed throughout the holy month.

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

While you're here
if you go

The flights

Air France offer flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Cayenne, connecting in Paris from Dh7,300.

The tour

Cox & Kings (coxandkings.com) has a 14-night Hidden Guianas tour of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. It includes accommodation, domestic flights, transfers, a local tour manager and guided sightseeing. Contact for price.

What is a robo-adviser?

Robo-advisers use an online sign-up process to gauge an investor’s risk tolerance by feeding information such as their age, income, saving goals and investment history into an algorithm, which then assigns them an investment portfolio, ranging from more conservative to higher risk ones.

These portfolios are made up of exchange traded funds (ETFs) with exposure to indices such as US and global equities, fixed-income products like bonds, though exposure to real estate, commodity ETFs or gold is also possible.

Investing in ETFs allows robo-advisers to offer fees far lower than traditional investments, such as actively managed mutual funds bought through a bank or broker. Investors can buy ETFs directly via a brokerage, but with robo-advisers they benefit from investment portfolios matched to their risk tolerance as well as being user friendly.

Many robo-advisers charge what are called wrap fees, meaning there are no additional fees such as subscription or withdrawal fees, success fees or fees for rebalancing.

The specs

Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo and dual electric motors

Power: 300hp at 6,000rpm

Torque: 520Nm at 1,500-3,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.0L/100km

Price: from Dh199,900

On sale: now

PLAY-OFF%20DRAW
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Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Thor: Ragnarok

Dir: Taika Waititi

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Mark Ruffalo, Tessa Thompson

Four stars

New UK refugee system

 

  • A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
  • Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
  • A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
  • To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
  • Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
  • Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
england euro squad

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Man Utd), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton)

Defenders: John Stones (Man City), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Reece James (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)

Midfielders: Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas

Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa

Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong

Rating: 3/5

RACECARD
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3E6pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Land%20Forces%20-%20Maiden%20(TB)%20Dh82%2C500%20(Dirt)%201%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E6.35pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20Naval%20Forces%20-%20Maiden%20(TB)%20Dh82%2C500%20(D)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E7.10pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sharjah%20Air%20Force%20-%20Maiden%20(TB)%20Dh82%2C500%20(D)%201%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E7.45pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAjman%20Presidential%20Guard%20-%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh95%2C000%20(D)%201%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E8.20pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%20Creek%20Mile%20%E2%80%93%20Listed%20(TB)%20Dh132%2C500%20(D)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E8.55pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUmm%20Al%20Quwain%20and%20Ras%20Al%20Khaimah%20Joint%20Aviation%20-%20Rated%20Conditions%20(TB)%20Dh95%2C000%20(D)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E9.30pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fujairah%20National%20Service%20and%20Reserve%20-%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh82%2C500%20(D)%201%2C400m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont

Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950

Engine 3.6-litre V6

Gearbox Eight-speed automatic

Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm

Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km

The biog

Name: Younis Al Balooshi

Nationality: Emirati

Education: Doctorate degree in forensic medicine at the University of Bonn

Hobbies: Drawing and reading books about graphic design

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Trump v Khan

2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US

2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks

2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit

2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”

2022:  Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency

July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”

Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.

Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”

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If you go

 

  • The nearest international airport to the start of the Chuysky Trakt is in Novosibirsk. Emirates (www.emirates.com) offer codeshare flights with S7 Airlines (www.s7.ru) via Moscow for US$5,300 (Dh19,467) return including taxes. Cheaper flights are available on Flydubai and Air Astana or Aeroflot combination, flying via Astana in Kazakhstan or Moscow. Economy class tickets are available for US$650 (Dh2,400).
  • The Double Tree by Hilton in Novosibirsk ( 7 383 2230100,) has double rooms from US$60 (Dh220). You can rent cabins at camp grounds or rooms in guesthouses in the towns for around US$25 (Dh90).
  • The transport Minibuses run along the Chuysky Trakt but if you want to stop for sightseeing, hire a taxi from Gorno-Altaisk for about US$100 (Dh360) a day. Take a Russian phrasebook or download a translation app. Tour companies such as  Altair-Tour ( 7 383 2125115 ) offer hiking and adventure packages.
Specs

Price, base: Dhs850,000
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 591bhp @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.3L / 100km

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).

Second leg

Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm

Games on BeIN Sports