4 Inspiring Qatari Royal Women Who Are Breaking Barriers
Qatar is a leading nation in the Middle East and a true testament to its success is the country’s inspiring women, which including many from the GCC nation’s own royal family.
Constantly trailblazing through their philanthropy and initiatives, these sheikhas are pioneers in education, the arts, business and fashion, to name a few. Here, GRAZIA highlights Qatari sheikhas who are breaking barriers.
HH Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser
Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the wife of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, is internationally recognized for her humanitarian work, leadership, and elegant sense of style. As the mother of Qatar’s current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, she has dedicated much of her career to advancing education and social development. Through her leadership at the Qatar Foundation, she played a central role in establishing Education City in 1997, a landmark initiative that has transformed higher education in the country. She also founded Qatar Social Work, chairs the Education Above All Foundation, and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Beyond her philanthropic efforts, Sheikha Moza is admired as a global fashion figure who champions Arab designers and serves as the Honorary Chair of Fashion Trust Arabia, an initiative launched in 2018 to promote creative talent across the region.
HH Sheikha Hanadi Bint Nasser Al Thani
Before establishing the investment company Amwal in 1998, Sheikha Hanadi bint Nasser Al Thani began her career as a teaching assistant in Qatar University. She established Al Wa’ab City in 2005, a $1.8 billion development with an area of approximately 1.2 million square meters. Sheikha Hanadi is the founder and CEO of the Al Waab City Real Estate development project, vice chairman of the Sheikh Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani & Sons Group and founding chairperson of Q-Auto. Q-Auto is Qatar’s sole importer of Audi and Volkswagen cars. Al Thani served as INJAZ Qatar’s first chairman. Regarded as one of the most accomplished women in Qatar, she is well-known in the business world as a humanitarian and a successful businesswoman.
He Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani
Qatari sheikhas are influential in many fields. One of Qatar’s most influential figures in art and culture is Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani. She is the co-chair of Fashion Trust Arabia, the only fashion award of its type in the Arab world. Through her efforts, she hopes to uplift creatives in the fashion, design, photography, film and arts industries. Sheikha Al Mayassa has enhanced the country’s cultural institutions and heritage places while also paving the way for an exciting creative future for Qatar. Qatar continues to broaden its artistic horizons through local and regional artists. The sheikha cultivates an orientation that prioritizes the local. In 2010, Sheikha Al Mayassa established the Doha Film Institute, in devotion to funding, education and the appreciation of cinema.
H.E Sheikha Asma Al Thani
Qatari sheikhas are a force to be reckoned with. Sheikha Asma Al Thani reached the highest mountain peak in the world, Mount Everest and she was the first woman from Qatar to do so. After traveling 210 kilometers over the course of a month and ten days, Sheikha Asma and her team eventually arrived at the top of Mount Everest. The Minister of Sports and Youth, awarded the mountaineer the GCC Excellence Decoration in appreciation of her outstanding contributions to youth development. Her Excellency challenged gender-related preconceptions as well as demonstrated to young minds how to achieve the seemingly impossible. In addition, Sheikha Asma is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Olympic Team of Qatar.
