Queen Rania, born Rania Al-Yassin on August 31, 1970, in Kuwait City, Kuwait, is the Queen Consort of Jordan and the wife of King Abdullah II. Born into a Palestinian family, she studied business administration at the American University in Cairo before working for Citibank and Apple. She married Prince Abdullah on June 10, 1993, and became Queen of Jordan in March 1999, following his accession to the throne. Her public activities focus on education, women's rights, child protection, and community development. In 2015, she received the Walther Rathenau Award in Germany for her international humanitarian and social work.

Early Life and Education

Queen Rania was born on August 31, 1970, in Kuwait City to Palestinian parents. Her father, Faisal Sidqi Al-Yassin, was a physician, while her mother, Ilham Al-Yassin, was a homemaker.

She grew up in Kuwait and attended the New English School, where she completed her secondary education. She subsequently enrolled at the American University in Cairo in Egypt, graduating with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1991.

During the Gulf War, her family left Kuwait and settled in Amman, Jordan. After completing university, Rania joined her family there.

Professional Career and Marriage

After graduating, Queen Rania began working in the banking sector at Citibank in Jordan. She later joined the marketing department of Apple in Amman.

In January 1993, she met Prince Abdullah bin Al-Hussein at a dinner gathering hosted by his sister, Princess Aisha bint Hussein. The couple became engaged and married on June 10, 1993, in Amman.

Following their marriage, Rania became a princess of Jordan. On February 7, 1999, Abdullah succeeded his father, King Hussein, as King Abdullah II. Rania received the title of Queen of Jordan on March 22, 1999.

Queen of Jordan

As Queen Consort, Queen Rania has undertaken public activities focusing on education, children's welfare, women's rights, and healthcare. She has supported programs intended to improve educational opportunities and expand access to services for families and disadvantaged communities.

She has also participated in international discussions about access to education, cultural dialogue, and the rights of women and children.

In 2005, she helped establish the Queen Rania Award for Excellence in Education, which recognizes teachers and educational institutions in Jordan.

In 2013, she established the Queen Rania Foundation for Education and Development, an organization working to improve education in Jordan and the wider Arab region. The foundation supports educational research, teacher development, and programs addressing children's learning needs.

Awards and Recognition

In 2015, Queen Rania received the Walther Rathenau Award in Germany in recognition of her international humanitarian and social initiatives. The award was presented by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

She has also been included in Forbes' annual lists of the world's most powerful women, with her ranking varying between editions.

Personal Life

Queen Rania married King Abdullah II on June 10, 1993. The couple have four children: Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah, born on June 28, 1994; Princess Iman bint Abdullah, born on September 27, 1996; Princess Salma bint Abdullah, born on September 26, 2000; and Prince Hashem bin Abdullah, born on January 30, 2005.

She continues to participate in royal engagements and educational and social development initiatives in Jordan and internationally.

Family

Father: Faisal Sidqi Al-Yassin
Mother: Ilham Al-Yassin
Husband: King Abdullah II (Married June 10, 1993)
Son: Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah (Born 1994)
Daughter: Princess Iman bint Abdullah (Born 1996)
Daughter: Princess Salma bint Abdullah (Born 2000)
Son: Prince Hashem bin Abdullah (Born 2005)

Source: Biyografiler.com