Hani al-Hayek
Hani al-Hayek | |
|---|---|
هاني الحايك | |
 Hani al-Hayek, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities | |
| Minister of Tourism and Antiquities | |
| Assumed office 31 March 2024 | |
| President | Mahmoud Abbas |
| Prime Minister | Mohammad Mustafa |
| Preceded by | Rula Maayah |
| Mayor of Beit Sahour | |
| In office 2022–2024 | |
| In office 2005–2012 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Hani Naji Attallah Abd al-Masih al-Hayek 20 November 1953 |
| Party | Fatah |
| Occupation | Politician |
Hani al-Hayek (Arabic: هاني الحايك; born 20 November 1953), full name Hani Naji Attallah Abd al-Masih al-Hayek (Arabic: هاني ناجي عطا الله عبد المسيح), is a Palestinian politician who has served as minister of tourism and antiquities in the Palestinian government since 31 March 2024. He was appointed as part of the cabinet led by Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.[1]
Early life and education
Hani al-Hayek was born on 20 November 1953 in Beit Sahour, a predominantly Christian town near Bethlehem in the West Bank.[2]
Political and professional career
Local government
Before his appointment as minister, al-Hayek served multiple non-consecutive terms as Mayor of Beit Sahour, including his election in 2022.[3]
Minister of tourism and antiquities
On 28 March 2024, President Mahmoud Abbas ratified the nineteenth Palestinian government, and al-Hayek was appointed as Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, succeeding Rula Maayah in this role.[4] During the handover ceremony, both he and his predecessor stressed the importance of cultural heritage preservation and tourism development as pillars of the Palestinian economy and national narrative.[5]
Ministerial initiatives and activities
Cultural heritage preservation
As minister, al-Hayek has been actively involved in documenting, safeguarding, and advocating for Palestinian archaeological and historical sites. He has highlighted the destruction and damage to heritage sites, in conflict zones like the Gaza Strip.[6][7]
In July 2026, UNESCO listed Sebastia as a World Heritage site and as a World Heritage site in Danger in light of Israeli settlement and confiscation [8][9]
International cooperation
Al-Hayek He met with the ambassador of Venezuela to discuss bilateral tourism cooperation and strategies to attract international visitors.[10] He and the Greek minister of culture signed an action plan for joint efforts in cultural site preservation, focusing on technical exchange and educational programs.[11] He participated in the Paris “Treasures Saved from Gaza” exhibition co-opened with French officials.[12]
Tourism promotion
Al-Hayek has promoted Palestinian tourism assets, including archaeological, religious, and natural sites, remarking that such tourism not only supports the economy but also reinforces the Palestinian historical narrative. He highlighted World Tourism Day as an opportunity to call for freedom of movement and access to holy sites.[13]
Political views
Al-Hayek has been vocal about the impact of occupation and conflict on heritage and tourism sectors. He has called for global support for cultural preservation and criticized actions perceived to threaten Palestinian historical sites.[14]
Personal life
Al-Hayek is a member of the Fatah political movement and comes from a Christian Palestinian background in Beit Sahour. His municipal leadership and ministerial work reflect ongoing engagement in both local and national civic affairs.[15]
References
- ↑ "هاني الحايك". Arabic Wikipedia (in Arabic).
- ↑ "هاني الحايك". Arabic Wikipedia (in Arabic).
- ↑ "Minister of Tourism and Antiquities – Hani al-Hayek". Palestinian Council of Ministers.
- ↑ "President Abbas swears in the new government" (in Arabic). Wafa News Agency.
- ↑ "Handover ceremony at Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities" (in Arabic). Wafa News Agency.
- ↑ "Palestine's legal scene – Cultural heritage under attack". Law for Palestine.
- ↑ "Damage Assessment Report on Palestinian Cultural Heritage" (PDF). Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
- ↑ Staff, Al Jazeera. "Will UNESCO's heritage listing halt Israeli plans for West Bank's Sebastia?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2026-08-26.
- ↑ manager (2026-07-24). "Sebastia inscribed as a World Heritage Site in Palestine". Emek Shave. Retrieved 2026-08-26.
- ↑ "Minister al-Hayek meets Venezuelan ambassador". Sada News.
- ↑ "Greek and Palestinian ministers sign plan to preserve cultural sites". Kathimerini.
- ↑ "Treasures Saved from Gaza exhibition". PLO National Committee.
- ↑ "Statement on World Tourism Day". Travel Palestine.
- ↑ "Statements on cultural heritage and international law". Law for Palestine.
- ↑ "Profiles of the new Palestinian Authority government". Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center.