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Between the fashion and cultural elevation, Sheikha Al Mayassa of Qatar stands as a testament to growth.
Through the years, Qatar has seen significant changes in the realms of culture and humanities, thanks to the sheikha’s relentless drive to expand Qatar’s heritage.
As seen through her socials and initiatives, Sheikha Al Mayassa has proven that being a royal and a patron of change has a tremendous impact. Below, GRAZIA shares some insights into her life.
Who Is Sheikha Al Mayassa?
Born in 1983, Her Highness Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is the third eldest child of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, and the previous Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
After her graduation earning a degree in Political Science and Literature from Duke University in 2005, the Sheikha started her philanthropic initiatives and built her career in the same direction years forward.
She’s a Philanthropist
The Qatari royal launched one of Qatar’s most important initiatives in Asia in 2005. Under the umbrella of Education Above All, founded by Sheikha Moza, Sheikha Al Mayassa launched Reach Out To Asia (ROTA). This initiative called attention to Asian countries that are in need of high-quality and relevant education for children.
Co-founder of the arab region’s First Fashion Awards
Under her leadership as well as Sheikha Moza, they established the first Arab-based non-profit organisation, Fashion Trust Arabia. Focusing on supporting emerging designers across the MENA region since 2018, the Qatari royals have consistently built the fashion landscape of the Middle East brick-by-brick, earning themselves the title of fashion icons through the years.
A Patron of Culture & Arts
Sheikha Al Mayassa is well-known for her deep passion for culture and the arts. With an estimated annual budget of $1 billion dedicated to acquiring art, including works by Damien Hirst, Richard Serra, and Jeff Koons, she has solidified her position as one of the most influential women in the art world of the 21st century. Recently, she attended the Design Doha Biennial, where she expressed her admiration for Qatari design culture.
She Established the Doha Film Institute
Sheikha Al Mayassa also initiated the development of media studies in the region, opening the Doha Film Institute in Qatar. Being a global voice, and Qatar’s anchor in cultural expansion, she founded the leading international film organisation dedicated to enriching and supporting budding media creatives.
An Influential Woman in Diplomacy
Being a member of the ruling family, the Sheikha plays a key figure in the political landscape of the country. Having the role of an important advisor to her older brother, and Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, she has helped Qatar’s progress through and through.
