Abdul Karim al Kabariti

Early life and education

Kabariti was born in Amman on 15 December 1949 to a prominent Aqaba family. He studied geology at the American University in Beirut and received his bachelor's degree in business and finance with honors from St. Edward's University, USA, in 1973.

Kabariti was granted an Honorary Doctorate degree (for his significant contribution to the financial sector across the Middle East and for his commitment to education and the political process in Jordan) from COVENTRY UNIVERSITY in Business Administration in 2015.

Career

Kabariti was elected to Parliament in 1989 and served as Minister of Labor and Tourism before his appointment as Foreign Minister in 1995. He was appointed in 1996 as Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Minister of Defense by the late King Hussein bin Talal. Kabariti became known for his positive attitude toward reform, openness toward journalists and his support of closer relationships with both Syria and Gulf Countries and less close relations with Iraq. After a year as Prime Minister he left office, and also left his post as Foreign Minister. In 1999, he became the first Chief of the Royal Court with King Abdullah II.

Kabariti was a member of the Twelfth and Eleventh Jordanian Parliament in 1993–1997 and 1989–1993 respectively, during which he was the Head of the Economics and Finance committee for the period 1993–1995.

Kabariti was also a member of the Jordanian Senate, First Deputy to the Speaker in 2000–2002, returning to the Senate, Head of the Economic & Finance Committee in 2005–2007.