His Excellency Akel E. Biltaji
Mayor of Amman
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
He was born in Gaza, Palestine, in 1941. Graduated with a Degree in Education in the summer of 1962,
he immediately joined the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO), Saudi Arabia. In the summer of
1969, Akel Biltaji returned to Jordan to join ALIA, the Royal Jordanian Airlines as a senior management
officer. In his 28 year distinguished airline career, Akel Biltaji had served in different capacities, the last
of which was Senior Vice President.
His Majesty, the late King Hussein, appointed Akel Biltaji in March 1997 as the Country's Minister of
Tourism and Antiquities, where he continued to serve in this portfolio under His Majesty King Abdullah
II until June of 2001, when he was appointed by His Majesty as Chief Commissioner for the newly
declared Region of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority. In February of 2004 King Abdullah II
appointed Akel Biltaji as His Majesty's Advisor on Tourism Promotion, Foreign Direct Investment and
Country Branding. In November of 2005 His Majesty appointed Akel Biltaji as a member of the House of
Senate, where he served as Chairman of the Tourism and Heritage House Committee, a member of the
Foreign Relations, Health and Environment and Education House Committees. In September of 2013 the
Prime Minister appointed Akel Biltaji as Mayor of Amman.
Akel Biltaji represented his country in a number of national, regional and international forums and
conferences, including the World Economic Forum both in Davos and the Dead Sea. He also sits on the
boards of a number of national and international organizations and institutions. Akel Biltaji is known to
be one of Jordan ’s strongest public speakers especially on issues related to the country's image, the holy
sites and protection of heritage. Akel Biltaji has been decorated with the highest orders by the heads of
State of Japan, Norway, France, Spain, Austria, Germany, Chile and at home. He is a member of Skål
International Amman.