Tips for your business trip to Jordan!
Several years ago, my partner and I, Business Travel Consultant Merel, left for a two-week round trip to Jordan. We flew with the national airline Royal Jordanian, which takes you to the capital Amman within 5 hours. During my trip I learned a lot more about the culture and the different places in Jordan. Therefore, in this blog you will find useful tips and information that can come in handy during your next business trip!
About Jordan
Jordan is a special destination in the Middle East. The kingdom is located in a turbulent region, but due to its neutral position it has no conflict with surrounding countries. Due to its diplomatic course, the country has good relations not only with Arab countries, but also with Western countries as well as Israel. The country welcomes visitors with open arms and gives you a welcoming feeling. The capital Amman is located in the northwest of the country, near the West Bank and the Dead Sea. Amman is a modern metropolis, which because of its economic growth also attracts many foreign companies!
Where to stay in Jordan during your business trip?
During our trip, we stayed at a small boutique hotel in Amman with beautiful views of the Amphitheater. Of course, as a business travel specialist, I kept my eyes open and there are plenty of accommodation options for you business travelers! I list some wonderful 5-star hotels for you:
W-Amman Hotel
This unique, modern and above all colorful hotel is characterized by its great luxury and bold architectural style. With stunning views of the 7 hills of the bustling city, the hotel offers comfortable rooms with ultra-modern technology and fresh décor. The W-Amman Hotel is located in the heart of Abdali, Amman's new downtown and also the city's business district!
Source: W-Amman Hotel
Amman Rotana Hotel
This hotel is also located in the center of Abdali, Amman's business district. The Rotana is the first tower hotel in Jordan; with a height of 188 meters and 50 floors, this can be called unique so! The hotel is modern and stylishly decorated and besides fine rooms it has a fitness, wellness, bar and highly rated restaurant!
Source: Amman Rotana Hotel
Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel
Luxury 5-star hotel is located in the heart of the embassy as well as in the business district; the ideal base for your business trip! The hotel features a chic atmosphere, spacious rooms and luxurious facilities such as a spa, gym, indoor pool, outdoor pool including bar, grill restaurant and beautiful lounge.
Source: Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel
Business manners in Jordan
Jordanians are a sweet and hospitable people, who are proud of their country and give visitors a warm welcome. They are definitely not intrusive and very helpful.
- Use Arabic and English: Arabic is the official language in Jordan. Jordanians appreciate it if you speak a few words of Arabic. English is also widely used in business. Furthermore, use the forms of address Mr., Mrs. or Miss followed by the first name of the business partner. Also bring plenty of business cards and print one side in both English and Arabic.
- Wear formal business attire: Jordanians tend to be Western-oriented in their choice of clothing. The business dress code in Jordan is formal. Men wear a suit and tie and women are best dressed covered. Think covered shoulders and an over-the-knee skirt.
- Greet everyone as they enter: Are you invited to the home of a Jordanian business partner? Politely decline the invitation before accepting her. On this visit, bring something sweet or a plant as a gift. Upon entering, greet everyone and wait for a seat assignment. This is common both at home and at a business meeting or restaurant. Stand up when someone enters the room.
- Punctuality: Appointments do not always run as planned, so take your time with this. Punctuality, however, is expected. Don't be late for an appointment.
- Don't be in a hurry: For Jordanians, it is important to get to know each other before doing business. Visiting the Jordanian business partner once is not enough. Invest in relationships by visiting more often and not just having contact via email or phone. It is advisable not to talk about business right away in the beginning. Further, avoid topics such as religion and politics.
- Do not offer alcohol: Most Jordanians are Muslim and therefore do not drink alcohol. However, drinking alcohol is accepted by business partners in certain environments.
Must do's in Jordan
Should you have free time in addition to your business appointments, the must do's below are definitely recommended!
The Dead Sea
We drove on to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. This destination is well known for spa trips because of the special properties of the sea water, but international business meetings, conferences and incentive trips are also often held here! This is because of the climate, the special location and the wide range of luxury accommodations with meeting facilities such as the 5 star Mövenpick Resort Dead Sea, where we stayed.
World wonder Petra
One real bucket list visit is the historic city of Petra , which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. We stayed at the 5 star Mövenpick Resort Petra located right at the entrance to the complex. What a great hotel it is! Petra is hard to describe, you have to experience it: it is almost otherworldly! The red rock, the narrow passages, beautiful structures and the special history. Besides, it is always crowded, so my tip: book your hotel well in advance!
Desert experience in Wadi Rum
After Petra, Wadi Rum was on the program. If you ever dream of spending the night in the desert, this is the ideal destination. Also very suitable for a unforgettable incentive trip. Wadi Rum is a valley with rock walls of sandstone and granite. This causes the color of the sand to turn red in many places. It is almost like being on Mars. We had booked a beautiful Bedouin tent at Hasan Zawaideh Camp, with a full day Jeep safari through the desert. Prefer a 5-star experience? Then the Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel is recommended!
Are you going on a business trip to Jordan in the future and desire advice? Then help us happy to assist you with preparations and bookings for a successful business trip!
Additionally, are you thinking of offering your employees or associates a very unique and unforgettable incentive trip? Then adventurous Jordan is guaranteed to be a good idea! Then also read the blog "incentive trip to the pearl of the Middle East: Jordan" by our Groups & Incentives department goMICE. Or feel free to contact us via goMICE and ask about the possibilities.
