Planning your year in Jordan requires accurate knowledge of official public holidays, whether you’re scheduling business meetings, booking travel, or organizing personal events. Understanding which holidays are observed nationwide helps you avoid scheduling conflicts and make the most of extended weekends. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed national public holidays in Jordan for 2026, ensuring you can plan confidently throughout the year.
Jordan observes a blend of fixed Gregorian calendar holidays and Islamic holidays that shift annually based on the lunar calendar. Consequently, some dates remain consistent year after year, while others require annual confirmation as the Islamic calendar moves approximately 10-11 days earlier each Gregorian year.
Jordan Public Holidays 2026 – Official Calendar
Below is the complete list of confirmed national public holidays in Jordan for 2026. These are recognized nationwide, with government offices, banks, and many businesses closed on these dates:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| March 19 | Thursday | Eid al-Fitr* |
| March 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday* |
| March 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday* |
| March 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday* |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Independence Day |
| May 26 | Tuesday | Arafah Day* |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha* |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday* |
| May 29 | Friday | Eid al-Adha Holiday* |
| May 30 | Saturday | Eid al-Adha Holiday* |
| June 16 | Tuesday | Islamic New Year (Muharram)* |
| August 25 | Tuesday | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday* |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
*Islamic holidays are based on lunar calendar observations and dates may vary by 1-2 days pending official moon sighting announcements.
Key Planning Notes for 2026
Several strategic opportunities exist for maximizing time off in 2026. The Eid al-Fitr celebration extends from Thursday, March 19 through Sunday, March 22, creating a natural four-day weekend. Moreover, this holiday period coincides with the regular Friday-Saturday weekend in Jordan, potentially offering extended planning possibilities for those scheduling annual leave.
Independence Day falls on Monday, May 25, which already creates a three-day weekend without requiring additional vacation days. However, the most significant extended break occurs during Eid al-Adha, spanning from Tuesday, May 26 through Saturday, May 30. This multi-day celebration effectively provides nearly a full week of holidays when combined with the regular weekend schedule.
For those managing international meetings or coordinating across time zones, it’s essential to note that Jordan operates on Eastern European Time (EET). Furthermore, Daylight Saving Time adjustments occur in Jordan, typically beginning in late March and ending in late October. Checking the current local time before scheduling international calls prevents confusion.
Business travelers should book accommodations well in advance for major holidays, particularly during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha when domestic tourism peaks. On the other hand, planning work deadlines around these periods ensures smoother project completion without last-minute rushes. Using countdown timers to track upcoming holiday dates helps teams stay ahead of scheduling conflicts.
Understanding Jordan’s Holiday Structure
Jordan’s public holiday calendar reflects the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and religious diversity. Fixed holidays including New Year’s Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day remain on the same Gregorian calendar dates annually. Meanwhile, Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar, which causes them to shift approximately 10-11 days earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar.
The two most important Islamic holidays—Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha—typically include extended multi-day celebrations lasting three to four days each. During these periods, government offices, banks, and most businesses close completely. Consequently, residents and visitors should prepare accordingly by completing essential transactions beforehand.
Jordan’s weekend traditionally falls on Friday and Saturday, differing from the Western Saturday-Sunday pattern. Therefore, when holidays fall on these days, the previous Thursday may be granted as an additional day off, though this varies by sector and employer. For comprehensive planning advice, explore our collection of time management and scheduling guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which public holidays are recognized nationwide in Jordan?
Jordan recognizes 15 official national public holidays in 2026, including New Year’s Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day, and several Islamic observances such as Eid al-Fitr (4 days), Eid al-Adha (5 days including Arafah), Islamic New Year, and the Prophet’s Birthday. All government offices and most businesses close on these dates.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Independence Day (May 25) falls on Monday, creating a natural three-day weekend. The Eid al-Fitr celebration (March 19-22) spans four consecutive days including the regular weekend. However, the longest break comes during Eid al-Adha (May 26-30), providing nearly a full week of holidays when combined with the preceding weekend.
Are any holidays subject to change in 2026?
Yes, Islamic holidays marked with asterisks in the calendar depend on lunar observations and may shift by 1-2 days based on official moon sighting announcements from religious authorities. These include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Arafah, Islamic New Year, and the Prophet’s Birthday. Conversely, fixed holidays like New Year’s Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, and Christmas remain constant.
Does Jordan observe both Friday and Saturday as weekends?
Yes, Jordan’s official weekend is Friday and Saturday, different from the Western Saturday-Sunday pattern. Consequently, when public holidays fall on these weekend days, some sectors may grant an additional day off on Thursday, though this practice varies by employer and industry.
How do Islamic holidays affect business operations in Jordan?
During major Islamic holidays—particularly Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha—most government offices, banks, and businesses close for multiple consecutive days. These periods see reduced public services, limited transportation options, and increased domestic tourism. Therefore, visitors should plan essential activities before these holidays begin and expect closures lasting 3-5 days.
Plan Your Year Effectively
Staying informed about Jordan’s public holidays ensures seamless scheduling throughout 2026. Whether you’re coordinating business meetings, planning family vacations, or managing project deadlines, this comprehensive calendar provides the foundation for effective time management. Remember to verify Islamic holiday dates closer to their occurrence, as lunar calendar observations may cause slight adjustments.
For more resources on time management and scheduling, visit our homepage to access current local times worldwide, or explore our specialized tools and guides for better productivity.