Akel Biltaji was born in Gaza, Palestine in 1941. Having graduated with a degree in Education in the summer of 1962, he immediately joined the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO) in Saudi Arabia. In the summer of 1969 he returned to Jordan to join Royal Jordanian Airlines as a senior management officer. In a distinguished 28-year career with the airline he served in various capacities, the last of which was Senior Vice President.

In March 1997 His Majesty, the late King Hussein, appointed Akel Biltaji as Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. He continued to serve in this role under His Majesty King Abdullah II until June 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 2004 King Abdullah appointed Akel Biltaji as His Majesty’s Advisor on Tourism Promotion, Foreign Direct Investment and Country Branding.

In November 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, and as a member of the Foreign Relations, Health and Environment and Education House Committees. In September 2013 the Prime Minister appointed Akel Biltaji as Mayor of Amman.

Akel Biltaji has 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. He 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.

He 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.