Michael Mohammed Abu Tair

Professional Profile

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A seasoned political strategist, negotiator, and international aviation professional whose career has been shaped by the evolving political and diplomatic landscape of the Middle East.

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Born in the village of Umtuber in occupied Jerusalem, his early life took him between the United States and the region. He spent formative years in California before relocating to Jordan in the early 1980s, where he deepened his Arabic fluency and developed the cultural, political, and regional understanding that would later define his work in diplomacy and governance.

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Abu Tair’s political career began during a period of profound transformation in Palestinian and regional affairs. He joined the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1988 and quickly rose through its ranks, becoming a senior adviser to Yasser Arafat and one of his closest political confidants.

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In this role, he was involved in strategic planning, diplomatic engagement, and sensitive political negotiations during a pivotal era in Palestinian–Israeli relations. His work required discretion, realism, and the ability to operate effectively at the intersection of international diplomacy, regional politics, and institutional leadership.

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A Seasoned Political Strategist & Commercial Aviation Professional

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In 1991 he moved to Germany, where his political work deepened. Collaborating with Haydar Abdel‑Shafi, he played a meaningful role in the diplomatic backchannels and technical negotiations that helped shape the foundations of the 1993 Oslo Accords. During this period, he served as a bridge between political leadership, negotiators, and international intermediaries, contributing quietly but faithfully to one of the most consequential peace processes of the modern Middle East.

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Throughout his career, he has been a trusted negotiator in discussions between Palestine and neighbouring governments, working to secure continuity of essential support and improve regional stability. His 2010 candidacy for the Palestinian presidency, focused on ending occupation and advancing political renewal, was halted only by internal political dynamics. Beyond politics, he has remained an active member of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and holds multiple passports and residency rights reflecting his global life across Germany, the UK, and the United States.

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A trained and highly experienced professional pilot, Abu Tair holds licences for several aircraft and has accumulated more than 7,400 flying hours over an 18-year aviation career. He currently works as a commercial pilot instructor in Berlin (TRI, TRE), on Boeing 737 (300, 900) and the CL65. He is also serving as a director of several UK-based companies, holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and has authored several books, donating all proceeds to charitable causes.

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Outlook & Intent

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Abu Tair’s approach to governance is grounded in institutional credibility, strategic realism, and international legitimacy. He believes that durable political progress is achieved not through rhetoric or symbolic gestures, but through prepared leadership, accountable institutions, and constructive engagement with international partners.

 

His outlook emphasises stability alongside reform, quiet diplomacy over confrontation, and the importance of aligning national aspirations with the practical requirements of governance, security, and economic confidence. At a time of heightened global scrutiny, he advocates for leadership that is ready to govern responsibly, capable of restoring trust, and able to navigate complex political environments with discipline, restraint, and purpose.