Current Time in Kerman
Iranian culture regarding time
Iranian culture regarding time
Iranian time is a unique time zone, UTC+3:30
Iran is the only country in the Middle East that uses UTC+3:30 as its standard time, which is 30 minutes behind other countries, making international time adjustments somewhat complicated.
Lunch breaks are set longer
In Iran, it is common for many companies and stores to have long lunch breaks of around two hours. This is based on a habitual lifestyle that includes prayer time, lunch, and afternoon rest.
Holidays are based on the Hijri calendar (Islamic calendar)
Many holidays in Iran are based on the Islamic calendar, not the Gregorian calendar, so the dates change from year to year. This often requires schedule adjustments.
Iranian values regarding time
Relationships take priority over time
In Iran, there is a culture that values relationships with others more than accuracy of time. Even if you are late, it is important to build trust with a warm attitude and polite conversation.
Flexible schedule awareness
Schedules are often seen as merely a guideline, and it is not uncommon for meetings and events to start at different times. Fluid use of time is accepted.
Religious time divisions have a strong influence
Five prayer times are incorporated into daily life, and work and activities may be temporarily interrupted, especially during midday and evening prayer times.
Things foreigners should know about time when traveling or relocating to Iran
People tend to be tolerant of lateness
Being 5 to 30 minutes late is not considered a big problem in Iran, and a flexible sense of time is common. However, in business situations, it is better to be punctual.
Store opening hours are divided into daytime and evening
Many stores and restaurants operate on a "siesta" schedule, with a lunch break and then a resumption of business in the afternoon. Many stores are open until late at night, making it an environment that is conducive to night-time activities.
Sense of time changes during Ramadan
During Ramadan, eating and drinking during the day is restricted, so the pace of work and life changes significantly. Activities tend to be concentrated in the middle of the night, so foreigners need to understand this and act accordingly.
Interesting trivia about time in Iran
Daylight saving time (DST) was abolished, but there are discussions about its revival
Iran abolished daylight saving time in 2022, but there are frequent discussions about reintroducing it from the perspective of economic efficiency, etc.
There are differences between urban and rural Iranian "clock culture"
People in urban areas tend to be relatively punctual, but in rural areas, a more relaxed sense of time is seen, and this difference is also impressive for visitors.
The "flow of time" is also used in Iranian films
Iranian films often make effective use of the "slow flow of time" and "moments of silence" in the development of a story, and this is linked to the cultural sense of time.