Since 1999, the year Adbullah II bin al-Hussein succeeded his father, King Hussein, as national monarch, Jordan has celebrated the king’s birthday. It is typical on this date for the Royal Hashemite Court of Jordan to publish various well-wishes that arrive from international dignitaries. Before 2007, the country also observed the day as an official national holiday by closing all its banks and stores. However, that year, King Abdullah announced that in order to help “boost productivity and dedication,” banks and businesses would remain open on his birthday. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary