Have you heard of a leader who is both a symbol of tradition and a force for modern change? That is Rania Al-Abdullah, a global figure and the influential Queen Rania of Jordan. This article is a guide to her life and work, from her early beginnings to her impact on education, health, and youth around the world.
Early life
Rania Al-Abdullah was born Rania Al-Yassin in Kuwait on August 31, 1970, to Palestinian parents. Her father was a doctor, and her mother was a homemaker. She completed her university studies in Cairo, Egypt, where she earned a degree in business administration from the American University in Cairo. After her studies, she worked in the private sector, including a position at Citibank in Amman and then at the Apple computer company, which gave her a strong foundation in business and technology.
Her Life’s Journey: From Kuwait to a Royal Family
In 1993, she met and married King Abdullah II of Jordan, who was a prince at the time. Their marriage was a happy event for the country. Together, they have four children:
- Prince Hussein, the Crown Prince of Jordan.
- Princess Iman, who recently got married.
- Princess Salma, who became the first woman in Jordan to complete single-engine pilot training in the Jordan Armed Forces.
- Prince Hashem.
While some people may search for the Kuwait queen, it is important to remember that Queen Rania is the Queen of Jordan. She was born and raised in Kuwait before her family moved to Jordan. Princess Iman bint Abdullah’s education began in Jordan, where she attended the International Academy Amman. She later studied in the US at Georgetown University. Similarly, Princess Salma bint Abdullah’s education and military training have also been a focus, as she became the first woman in Jordan to complete single-engine pilot training in the Jordan Armed Forces.
Activities and Work
The work of Queen Rania of Jordan is focused on many key areas. Her main activities are in:
- Education: She is a strong supporter of education, believing it is the key to progress. She has launched many initiatives to improve the quality of education in Jordan, such as the „Madrasati” initiative, a public-private partnership to renovate and improve public schools. She also founded the Queen Rania Teacher Academy, which provides professional training for teachers across the country. On a global scale, she has served as a Global Honorary Chair of the UN Girl’s Education Initiative, championing access to quality education for children around the world, especially for refugees.
- Health: She works to improve the health and well-being of women and children. She is the chair of the Royal Health Awareness Society (RHAS) which develops and implements preventative health programs in Jordan. She has also served as UNICEF’s first Eminent Advocate for Children, using her platform to raise awareness about child rights and global health issues.
- Youth Empowerment: She believes that young people are the future, and she works to give them the skills and confidence to succeed. Through the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship, she helps young Jordanians with innovative ideas to develop their own businesses. She has also been a strong advocate for youth participation in civil society and has used her social media platforms to connect with a young audience.
- International Advocacy: She is a global voice for tolerance and understanding, speaking at many international events on topics like cross-cultural dialogue and promoting a positive image of the Arab world. Her work to challenge stereotypes has won her global recognition. She has also been a vocal advocate for refugee rights, visiting refugee camps and speaking at global forums to mobilize resources and foster empathy.
Conclusion
Rania Al-Abdullah is a unique figure in the Arab world. She has used her platform as the Queen of Jordan to become a powerful voice for change. Her work in education and youth empowerment is a clear example of her modern vision. She is a symbol of a dynamic and forward-thinking Jordan. For more insights into Arab culture and to master the language, be sure to download the Kaleela Arabic learning app today!