Queen Rania

Name at birth: Rania Al-Yassin

Rania Al Abdullah has been the queen of Jordan since 1999, when her husband, Abdullah II, became king. Born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents, Rania graduated from the American University in Cairo in 1991. She worked briefly for Apple Computer in Amman, Jordan before meeting Prince Abdullah at a dinner there in 1993. They were married later that year, on 10 June 1993. Upon the death of his father King Hussein in 1999, Abdullah became king and Rania became queen of Jordan. As queen she has been an advocate for Jordan's children and especially for its women, saying "The best advertisement for empowering women is an empowered woman." She also created the Children's Museum of Jordan, which opened in 2007. Her poise, fashion sense, and public works have made her a popular figure in Jordan and around the world.