Medical Professional Transitions to Role of Tourism Minister

Prof. Dr. Emad Hejazeen Appointed as Jordan's Minister of Tourism

Prof. Dr. Emad Hejazeen, a former doctoral student at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU), has been appointed as the new Minister of Tourism in Jordan. The appointment was made by the Jordanian king on August 26, 2025, in Eichstätt, Germany.

Hejazeen completed his doctorate at KU in 2006, focusing on "Tourism and Local Communities in Jordan: Perception, Attitudes, and Impacts". After completing his studies, he remained professionally connected to KU and was its cooperation partner in a DFG project on tourism in the Middle East from 2011 onwards.

Hejazeen gained extensive experience in the tourism sector of Jordan, having served as the General Secretary of the Ministry before his appointment as Minister of Tourism. Prior to his role in the Ministry, he served as "Commissioner Petra Archaeological Park & Cultural Heritage", responsible for Jordan's most important tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage site, the rock city of Petra.

His doctoral thesis examined the economic, social, and ecological impacts of tourism on local communities in archaeological sites like Petra and Jerash. He was also involved in a DFG project focusing on opportunities and risks for small and medium-sized tourism businesses in the Middle East, using Jordan as an example.

The press release issued by the Press Office of the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt did not provide further details about the appointment process or the date of Hejazeen's appointment as Minister of Tourism. However, it did mention that his dissertation was awarded several scientific prizes by KU.

With his extensive experience and academic background in tourism, Hejazeen is well-equipped to lead Jordan's tourism sector and continue to promote its rich cultural heritage to the world.