King Abdullah II of Jordan celebrates his forty-six birthday today. He was born on January 30, 1962 in Amman. He is the eldest son of the late King Hussein and Princess Muna of Jordan. Before assuming the kingship, Abdullah embarked on a military career. He is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst earning his commission as a second Lieutenant in 1981. As a Jordanian army officer, he climbed to the rank of Major General which he held until his father’s death in February 1999. He has qualifications as a frogman, pilot and a free-fall parachutist.Abdullah married Rania Al-Yassin on June 10, 1993. He and Rania have four children: Prince Hussein, Princess Iman, Princess Salma and Prince Hashem.
Since succeeding his father’s throne, he has pursued judicial, social and educational reform, political and economic development and information technology. He issued a royal degree approving the King Abdullah II Fund for Development. The fund’s objectives are to “encourage citizens to establish business enterprises and, subsequently, contribute towards the achievement of comprehensive development in the country. Support efforts, programmes and activities that aim to enhance national productivity in order to contribute towards the improvement of the quality of life and standard of living of Jordanians. Encourage scientific, cultural, sports, educational and social activities to develop citizens' skills and provide incentives to creative innovators in the different areas.”
The king is an avid collector of ancient weapons and armaments and indulges in automobile racing, water sports and scuba diving.
For more information on his initiatives, interviews and speeches, visit King Abdullah II’s official website.
Photo: Yousef Allan