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Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.

General information

Amman, a bustling city of 2 million people, sits atop seven hills. Amman is known as the White City: all its buildings are finished in the local white limestone. It is a safe, friendly city for walking, with a busy commercial and administrative centre. While much of it has been built over the past 50 years, significant archaeological remains give testament to this ancient city’s place in history.

Time zone

GMT +2 hours during winter time
GMT +3 hours during summer time
Eastern Europe Time

Language(s) spoken

Arabic is the official language spoken locally. English is widely spoken.

Electrical system

Local voltage is 220 to 240 volts AC. Adapters available; please request through the Concierge.

Shopping hours

Most Jordanians work five days a week, with Friday and Saturday off, but business and shopping hours are flexible. Some stores open from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, but close for a few hours in mid-afternoon. Other stores may remain open all day, from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Working hours

Government offices are open from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. All businesses and most shops, other than those in the souqs, are closed on Fridays. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, working hours are more flexible and generally shorter.

Time and distance to city centre

20 minutes/22 kilometres/13.7 miles

Time and distance to shopping

• Swefiyah shopping area is a 5-minute drive (5 kilometres/3 miles)
• Abdoun Shopping Mall is a 7-minute drive (8 kilometres/5 miles)
• Zara Shopping Centre is a 12-minute drive (10 kilometres/6 miles)
• Mecca Shopping Mall is a 12-minute drive (10 kilometres/6 miles)

Time and distance to financial district

Shmeisani financial district is a 10-minute drive (7 kilometres/4.4 miles); Swefiyah financial district is a 5-minute drive (5 kilometres/3 miles)

View in–depth travel advice from Frommers.com

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Seasonal highlights

April–May

Dead Sea Ultra Marathon - A gruelling, 50-kilometre run from the highest elevations of the capital, Amman, down to the lowest point on earth. The Dead Sea Ultra Marathon began in 1993 after the Amman Road Runners (ARR), a group of Jordanian and non-Jordanian residents sharing the same passion for running, decided to present themselves with the ultimate challenge. The race is split into four categories: the ultra marathon (50 kilometres/31 miles), marathon (42 kilometres/26 miles), half-marathon (21 kilometres/13 miles) and a relay (50 kilometres/31 miles). Telephone/fax: 962 (6) 5930435

• Visit the marathon web site

May

Jordan International Rally – International, regional and local competitors have long respected this rally, and since its inception in 1964, the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan has striven to improve the quality of this event. The rally which took place in May 2001 covered 1,036 kilometres (648 miles) of the most scenic but challenging territory. The rally is renowned for its long desert stages, which place great demands on the skills and stamina of the competitors. From gravel to desert tracks, the rally poses a daunting task for the runway driver. For more information, please contact the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan, P.O. Box 920, 11118 Jordan, Telephone: 962 (6) 5818131, Fax: 962 (6) 5850626

• Visit the event web site

July - August

Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts – This festival premiered on the international cultural scene in 1981. It brings together Arab and international performances to showcase their unique talents, and has expanded to include theatrical performances, ballet productions and poetry recitals. Telephone: 962 (6) 5675199, Fax: 962 (6) 5686191

September–October

Jordanian Festival for Child Song

November

Desert Cup Marathon – This annual event first took place in April 1998 with 500 entrants from 27 countries. The marathon covered 229 kilometres (138 miles) over six or seven days – the equivalent of 5.5 regular marathons. Competitors have to prepare all their own food and carry all their supplies with them throughout the race (except for water and a tent). Runners experience mid-day temperatures of up to 49°C (120°F) while running or walking on uneven, rocky ground and sand dunes. For more details, contact the Jordan Tourism Board. Telephone: 962 (6) 5678294, Fax: 962 (6) 5678295