Princess Iman of Jordan's wedding

King Abdullah II of Jordan Marks His 46th Birthday

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

Queen Rania of Jordan Celebrates Her 37th Birthday

Today, Queen Rania of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan celebrates her 37th birthday. The elegant Rania Al-Yassin was born on August 31, 1970 in Kuwait, Lebanon. She and Abdullah, son of King Hussein and Princess Muna, were married on June 10, 1993. The couple's four children are Prince Hussein, Princess Iman, Princess Salma and Prince Hashem.

Rania is a dedicated leader devoted to many causes in Jordan and internationally.Some notable contributions include her work with UNICEF's Global Leadership Initiative for Children, World Economic Forum Foundation Board, WHO Patron for Violence Prevention in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Global Ambassador for Women for Women International, United Nations Foundation Board of Directors, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, FINCA, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region ambassador of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, International Youth Foundation, Jordan Education Society and the Jordan River Foundation. In January 2007, she was named UNICEF's first Eminent Advocate for Children.

By royal degree, Queen Rania holds the honorary rank of colonel in the Jordanian Armed Forces. She was conferred this honor in June 2004.

Rania summed up her role as queen to the Jordanian people in the following quote."Many people are awestruck by the title of “Queen”, but for me, it is a job that incorporates several roles. Primarily, my duty is to partner His Majesty in his efforts to improve the standard of living of all Jordanians. While respecting our traditions, we are determined to build Jordan into a modern civil society and model for the region by ensuring sustainable levels of economic growth and social development. In addition, I work in areas related to child protection and family safety, women’s empowerment, the creation of opportunities for youth, and culture and tourism. Daunting? Yes. Impossible? No. In fact, such challenges energize me."

For more information on her initiatives, interviews and speeches, visit Queen Rania's official website.

Photo: Petra

Queen Rania Brings Family to the Official Opening of the Children’s Musuem

After touring the Children’s Museum back in April, Queen Rania of Jordan returned with her family for the official opening on May 23rd. Princess Iman (10), Princess Salma (6) and Prince Hashem (2) joined more than 2,000 children to experience over 150 exhibits relating to three themes: humankind, technology and the natural world. The Amman facility is located in Al Hussein Park and is the first interactive children’s museum in Jordan.

Photo: Petra