by Scott Mehl © Unofficial Royalty 2014
Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned of Qatar – photo: The Qatar Consultancy
Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned is the wife of Sheikh Hammad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, and mother of Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
Sheikha Mozah was born on August 8, 1959, in Al-Khor, Qatar. Her father, Nasser bin Abdullah Al Missned had publicly advocated for a fairer distribution of wealth in the small nation of Qatar, which brought about his imprisonment at the hands of the Emir (the father of her future husband). Despite this, while attending Qatar University, she met and became engaged to the Crown Prince of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Mozah would eventually earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Qatar University in 1986. She became his second wife in 1977. They have seven children:
- Sheikh Jasim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar
- Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- Sheikha Hind bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
Sheikha Mozah with her husband on an official visit to Spain, 2011. photo: Zimbio
When her husband became Emir in 1995, Sheikha Mozah took a very public and prominent role in the country. Unlike most wives in Middle Eastern monarchies who remain quietly in the background, she has used her profile and position to raise awareness of important issues. With her husband, she established the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and serves as the Chairperson of the Board. She serves as President of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Vice-Chairperson of the Supreme Education Council, Chairperson of the Silatech initiative, and Chairperson of the Arab Democracy Foundation. Since 2003, she has worked with UNESCO as a Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education.
On June 25, 2013, after eighteen years as Emir, Sheikh Hamad publically announced his abdication in favor of his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa. Internationally, Sheikha Mozah often represented her husband at major royal functions and accompanied him on most state visits. She is considered by many to be one of the most glamorous and fashionable royals in the world and remains a visible member of Qatar’s royal family, often seen supporting her son, the current Emir.
Sheikha Mozah, with Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco and Prince Albert of Monaco, at the investiture of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, 2013. photo: Popsugar
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