Advisory Council

Dr. Fares Braizat

Before his appointment as the Chief Commissioner of Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority in October 2023, he served as the Chairman of the Amman-based NAMA Strategic Intelligence Solutions, where he directed the tourism research program and public policy tourism-related projects such as the Skill Development Strategy in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector. In 2025, he was appointed to the public policy expert group at the Economic and Social Council of Jordan and the National Tourist Council.

He directs the Investor Confidence Index research project since 2016 in collaboration with Jordan Strategy Forum. He serves on the Advisory Board of Tamkeen for Sustainable Tourism Development (TASUD), and as an expert and evaluator with the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IIGCAT).

He is an active member of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, and the Jordan Trail Association and involved in many nature-related tourism activities such as hiking, exploration and wellness.

He chairs the Chevening Alumni Association Board, Andalucía Compound Board, and serves on a few other local, regional and international boards and associations.

In 2022, Dr. Braizat was appointed by the Royal Court as the Chairman of the Tourism Working Group as part of the Jordan Vision 2033. Prior to that, he was appointed by His Majesty as a member of the Royal Committee to Modernize the Political System (Summer 2021) where he served on the Election Law Subcommittee. In May 2022, he was elected on the Executive Committee of the World Values Survey where he serves as the Chairman of the Fundraising Committee.

Prior to his current roles, Dr. Braizat served as the Minister of Youth 2019-2020 where he combined academic research with public policy to introduce new programs such as the National Youth Entrepreneurs Forum which, inter alia, focused on Tourism in the time of Covid-19.

Prior to founding NAMA Strategic Intelligence Solutions in 2016, he served as Senior Adviser / Director of Strategic Studies and Evaluation at the Office of His Majesty, Royal Hashemite Court, Jordan between Jan 2012 – Feb 2016. At the Royal Court, his public policy work included working on the Arab Spring and governance issues, evaluation of royal initiatives and public policies, creating a heatmap of Jordan and overseeing the development and implementation of a response plan to it. This response plan included 6 tourism projects which are currently operated by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in Burgu, Dibeen, Dhiban, Dana, Azraq, and Mujib.

He was awarded many scholarships including the Ministry of Higher Education Scholarship for his BA in Jordan 1990-1994, the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) for his Diploma in Sweden. 1997, Chevening Scholarship for his MA in the UK 1997-1998, Chevening and University of Jordan for his PhD in the UK 1998-2002, Fulbright American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship 2006-2007, and Eisenhour Fellowship 2014. In 2021 he was decorated by His Majesty with the State Centennial Medal.

Dr. Braizat is a leading analyst on public policy, governance, development, and survey research.

He has conducted numerous studies on performance evaluation of public and private institutions across the Arab World. In his different capacities, he worked on research-based strategic planning, domestic and foreign affairs, with a particular focus on stability components such as governance, development, security, radicalization and terrorism in the Arab world and Europe.

Dr. Braizat founded, headed, and coordinated a few international and regional survey research projects including the Arab Barometer, World Values Survey, Global Barometer, and the Public Opinion Program at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies 2010-2011, Senior Polling Adviser for the International Republican Institute– USAID on Lebanese elections of 2009, and he was the founding Head of Research at the Social and Economic Survey Research Institute at Qatar University 2009-2010. Prior to that, he served at the Center for Strategic Studies at the University of Jordan 2003-2009 assistant professor / researcher and deputy director (2007-2009) where he was a lecturer and frequent guest speaker for, inter alia, the International Students Program at Jordan University, SIT, and AMIDEAST. He Served on the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC, and on the House Committee of Foreign Affairs as APSA-Fulbright scholar 2006-2007.

In addition to his numerous unpublished research, he has published journalistic and academic articles, a few book chapters and a book on Islam, Muslims and Liberal Democracy.

His recent academic publications include “Youth in the Arab Mediterranean Region: The Prospects for Building Bridges to Solve Common Issues”, Anna Lindh Foundation (2021). Determining Youth Radicalization in Jordan, the International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism, Georgetown University (2017).

He published a book on Islam, Muslims and Liberal Democracy in 2011 and wrote over 50 research papers (published and unpublished). When he is not in public office, he writes regular OpEds in Arabic and English for local and international news outlets such as Jordan Times, Jordan News, Alrai, Al Ghad, and comments for many local and international TV channels.

Michael Nazzal

Member, 25th Senate and the current 30th council

Chairman of the Board, Dead Sea Hotels (1988–Present)

Chairman of the Board, Jordanian Company for Hospitality and Tourism Education (Ammon)

Board Member, Royal Jordanian Airlines (2016–2021)

Board Member, Jordanian Businessmen Association (2021–Present)

Trustee, Board of Trustees, Ibn Sina University for Medical Sciences (2023–2024)

Chairman, Jordan Hotels Association (1988–2018)

Vice Chairman, Jordan Tourism Board (1998–2018)

Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Vice Chairman (alternating), Alpha tourism transport

(1995–2005)

Member and Vice President, Arab Union for Tourism (1992–2004)

Founder and Vice President, Arab Tourism Organization (2002–2009)

Managing Director and Board Member of Ayla Oasis Development Company, as well as a board member of 26 affiliated companies operating across the tourism, real estate, and service sectors.

Dudin has over 38 years of experience in managing and developing large-scale projects. His career began in 1986 as an engineering supervisor at the Public Security Directorate, followed by a role as Director of Engineering at the InterContinental Jordan Hotel.

He later led major hospitality and tourism projects, contributing significantly to the growth of Zara Investment Holding in various capacities, including Deputy General Manager for Technical Affairs.

He played a key role in establishing several hotels such as: Movenpick Resort Petra and Nabatean Castle, Movenpick Dead Sea, Movenpick Aqaba and Tala Bay, Grand Hyatt Amman, and InterContinental Amman.

Upon joining Ayla as Managing Director, Dudin oversaw the implementation of the master plan for one of Jordan’s largest developments, covering 4,300 dunums, featuring 750,000 square meters of artificial lagoons, the first golf course in the Kingdom, and integrated hotel and tourism facilities.

Dudin previously served as a board member of the Social Security Investment Fund and chaired its Audit Committee.

He was also a board member of the Jordan Tourism Board, chairing its Governance and Human Resources Committee, and held the position of Vice Chairman of Aqaba Airports Company.

He currently serves as Vice Chairman of Jordan Hot Springs Company and is a board member of the Jordan Strategy Forum, the Marine Science Station, the Jordanian Marathon Association, and the Board of Trustees of INJAZ. In addition, he holds board roles in several Zara Investment subsidiaries and currently serves as the Honorary Consul of the French Republic in Aqaba, Petra, and Wadi Rum.

Dudin holds dual bachelor’s degrees in civil and mechanical engineering from the University of Hartford in the United States. He is also a prominent community leader and active advocate, with a strong focus on youth engagement and sustainable development.

EDAMA Association– Chairman, Dr. Dureid Mahasneh.

PhD in Hydrology and Marine Sciences 1980

Post doctorate Coastal Zone Management Duke University 1983

Assistant Professor at Yarmouk University: 1980-1984

Director General of the Marine Science Station in Aqaba: 1983-1984

Secretary General of Aqaba Region Authority: 1984-1991

Director General of Aqaba Ports Corporation: 1991-1996

S.G Jordan Valley Authority: 1996-1999

Head of the Jordanian Peace Talks on Environment with Israel (1992-1994)

Co chairman of the Joint Jordan Israeli Committee on Water (1996-1999)

Co chairman of the Joint Jordan Syrian Water Committee (1996-1999)

Consultant: 2000-2005 Red Sea Dead Sea Water Project

CEO of Tawfiq Gargour Shipping Co.: 2005

COO of Tawfiq Gargour Group: 2010

Chairman Edama

Board Member Jordan German University

Board Member Fonasba

Board Member Shoman Centre for Scientific Research

Board Member Royal Society for Conservation of Nature

ATICO Fakhreldin Group, Mr. Essam Fakhreddin, Chairman & CEO

Awni Kawar

Background: Born in Jordan, graduated in Civil Engineering from University of Birmingham, UK (1980)

Experience:

•⁠ ⁠Served in Royal Engineering Corps, Jordan Armed Forces (1980-1982)

•⁠ ⁠Family business in travel, tourism, and hospitality

Key Roles:

•⁠ ⁠Member, Jordan Tourism Board (2003-2007)

•⁠ ⁠Chairman, Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (2006-2008, 2016-2019)

•⁠ ⁠Member, National Tourism Council (2015-2017)

•⁠ ⁠Member, Economic Modernization Vision 2023/3, Tourism Committee

Eng. Nidal Bitar
CEO, ICT Association of Jordan – int@j

Eng. Nidal Bitar is the CEO of int@j since 2016 and a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in ICT, human capital development, strategy, and entrepreneurship. He previously held leadership roles across the private sector.

Bitar serves on several national and regional bodies, including the Board of Trustees of Tafila Technical University, the National Cyber Security Council, and the Advisory Boards of the Arab ICT Union, Tamkeen for Sustainable Tourism, iLearn Jo, The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching Council and King Abdullah II for Technology College “KASET” at the University of Jordan. He is also Chairman of the Business Development Committee of the World Innovation & Technology Services Alliance (WITSA).

He holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts–Dartmouth and executive certificates from Harvard Kennedy School, INSEAD, and the International Academy of Leadership, among others. He is also an EFQM Certified Assessor and an approved mentor with the UK-based Mowgli Foundation.

Mr. Walid Tahabsem is regarded as a true example of success and dedication in the information technology sector.

He embodies a rare combination of quality and efficiency, along with genuine care and commitment to his team—traits that have left a lasting mark on his professional journey.

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Yarmouk University in Jordan, Mr. Tahabsem founded the Integrated Technology Group (ITG) in 1989. The company specializes in software development and integrated solutions and is considered one of the most successful firms in the field of developing and implementing digital systems and solutions.

Through his forward-looking vision and passion for technology, Mr. Tahabsem led the company toward prosperity and growth by expanding its size, workforce, markets, technological innovation, and the implementation of integrated solutions across various fields. Among these innovations was the development of the first Arabic-language program specializing in Artificial Intelligence (Artificial Intelligent Parser), as well as the development and deployment of the EduWave® e-learning platform, which is considered one of the most widely adopted educational solutions worldwide.

Over the years, Mr. Tahabsem has been active in several national councils and associations, including the Jordanian National Agenda, the Jordanian Education Council, the Advisory Council of the Jordan University of Science and Technology, the Advisory Council of the German Jordanian University, the Information Technology Association of Jordan (INT@J), and INJAZ. He has also served on the board of Prince Hamzah Bin Al Hussein School and the Jordanian Information and Communications Technology Advisory Council (ICTAC). Currently, he is a board member of the Jordan Strategy Forum (JSF) and Chairman of Endeavor Jordan, in recognition of his belief in the active role the organization plays in supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jordan and neighboring countries.

Additionally, he is a member of the advisory board for the National Initiative for 1,000 Entrepreneurs, a founding partner in Oasis500 and VentureX, and a board member of both—companies recognized as pioneers in early-stage funding and venture investment for startups in technology, agriculture, culture, and medicine.

Mr. Tahabsem is also an active member of Al-Aghar Group for Strategic Thinking, an independent Saudi think tank aiming to transform the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into a knowledge-based society.

Most recently, Mr. Walid co-founded the Tharid Charitable Endowment, which seeks to help address the global problems of hunger and malnutrition, starting from Jordan.

In recognition of his outstanding and pioneering efforts in advancing the fields of information technology and education in Jordan, His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein awarded him the Jordanian Independence Medal, making him the first Jordanian figure to be honored in this field. He was also granted an honorary membership certificate by the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, in recognition of his scientific and technical contributions.