Jordan sets official working hours for Ramadan 2026 across sectors

• Jordan sets shorter working hours for public sector, schools, and banks during Ramadan 2026, while private sector schedules remain flexible.

The Jordanian government and relevant institutions have finalized official working hours for the holy month of Ramadan, issuing a series of circulars and directives aimed at easing the schedule for fasting employees while ensuring continuity of services across public, private, education, and banking sectors.

Public sector: shorter working hours

A government notice issued by the Prime Minister sets the public sector working hours from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This applies to ministries, official departments, public institutions, state universities, municipalities, service councils, the Greater Amman Municipality, and government-owned companies.

Exceptions: Employees whose roles require different schedules may follow internal administrative arrangements.

Education sector: adjusted schedules

The Ministry of Education outlined specific adjustments for schools and directorates:

• Education directorates: Staff work from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Public schools (single shift): Classes begin at 9:00 a.m. with 40-minute periods. Short breaks between lessons are canceled, the eighth period is removed, and the school day ends at 1:50 p.m.
• Double-shift schools: Class periods reduced to 35 minutes; morning shift begins at 9:00 a.m., afternoon shift from 12:50 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Private schools: Flexible start times due to transportation needs, but students must finish by 1:50 p.m.

The Central Bank of Jordan confirmed working hours for banks during Ramadan:

• Staff working hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Public service: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Evening services: Banks may extend hours for evening operations after notifying the Central Bank in advance.
• Private sector: flexible arrangements

According to the Ministry of Labor, Jordanian labor law does not mandate reduced working hours for private-sector employees during Ramadan 1447 H / 2026 CE. Working hours remain subject to employment contracts and standard labor law provisions.

The decision lies with employers:

Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Al-Zyoud emphasized that private employers have full authority to determine their employees’ working hours. Each establishment may adjust schedules according to its internal policies and business requirements, without government-imposed modifications.

This framework aims to balance the needs of fasting workers with operational continuity across the kingdom during the holy month.