Lapid taps hotel association chief as permanent envoy to UAE

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Amir Hayek. (Smadar Cafri)
Amir Hayek. (Smadar Cafri)

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid announced on Sunday that he would appoint Amir Hayek as Israel’s permanent ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

The position is currently filled on a temporary basis by Eitan Na’eh.

Hayek is currently the president of the Israel Hotel Association. He previously headed the Manufacturers Association of Israel and was director-general of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor.

“Amir Hayek, deeply experienced and knowledgeable in the fields of economy and tourism, is the right person to institutionalize the bridge between Israel and the UAE. After the opening of the embassies, the time has come to appoint the first ambassador to the UAE,” Lapid says.

Hayek is a political appointee by Lapid, indicating the UAE-Israel relationship is a top-level priority for the foreign minister.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.