Queen Rania of Jordan

Queen Rania of Jordan is the Queen consort of Jordan and the wife of King Abdullah II of Jordan. She was born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents Faisal Sidawi and Ilham Yassin, and spent her childhood in Kuwait City with her family, including her siblings, Randa Sidawi and Dina Sidawi. Her early life was marked by frequent travel and exposure to different cultures, including Egypt, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates. She attended New English School in Kuwait City and later studied at the American University in Cairo, where she earned a degree in Business Administration from the School of Business.

● Early Life and Education

Queen Rania's early life was shaped by her experiences growing up in Kuwait and her education at New English School and the American University in Cairo. She was particularly influenced by her parents, Faisal Sidawi and Ilham Yassin, who encouraged her to pursue her interests in business and international relations. During her time at the American University in Cairo, she was exposed to a diverse range of cultures and ideas, including those of Egyptian intellectuals such as Naguib Mahfouz and Taha Hussein. She also developed a strong interest in Arabic literature and Middle Eastern history, studying the works of Gibran Khalil Gibran and Constantine Zurayk.

● Career and Activism

Before her marriage to King Abdullah II of Jordan, Queen Rania worked in marketing and banking in Amman and Kuwait City, including positions at Citibank and Apple Inc.. She also became involved in various philanthropic and community development initiatives, including the Jordan River Foundation and the Save the Children organization. Her work in these areas was influenced by her interactions with international leaders such as Kofi Annan and Jimmy Carter, as well as her exposure to the work of non-governmental organizations like Oxfam and UNICEF. She has also been recognized for her efforts to promote women's empowerment and girls' education, working with organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme.

● Marriage and Children

In 1993, Queen Rania married King Abdullah II of Jordan, who was then the Crown Prince of Jordan. The couple has four children: Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan, Princess Iman of Jordan, Princess Salma of Jordan, and Prince Hashem of Jordan. Her marriage to King Abdullah II of Jordan has been marked by her support for his domestic and foreign policy initiatives, including his efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. She has also accompanied him on numerous state visits and diplomatic missions, including trips to the United States, United Kingdom, and France, where they have met with leaders such as Barack Obama, David Cameron, and François Hollande.

● Humanitarian Work

Queen Rania is known for her extensive humanitarian work, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and community development. She has worked with organizations such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the International Rescue Committee to promote global health and humanitarian assistance. Her efforts have been recognized by international leaders such as Ban Ki-moon and Angela Merkel, and she has received numerous awards for her philanthropic work, including the Golden Heart Award and the North-South Prize. She has also been involved in initiatives to promote cultural exchange and understanding, including the Jordan Festival and the Amman International Film Festival.

● Titles and Styles

As the Queen consort of Jordan, Queen Rania holds the title of Her Majesty and is styled as Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah. She has also been awarded numerous honorary degrees and orders of chivalry, including the Order of the Nile and the Order of the Golden Eagle. Her official duties include supporting the monarch and promoting the interests of Jordan abroad, as well as engaging in various charitable and cultural activities. She has represented Jordan at numerous international events, including the United Nations General Assembly and the G20 summit, where she has met with leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.