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Behind the calls of the Gaza ceasefire, which officially came into effect on January 19, 2025, women across the Gulf have been actively participating in global discussions in hopes for the safety of the Palestinian people.
One such person who has been behind the ropes is Her Excellency Sheikha Alya bint Ahmed Al Thani, the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations.
Her role as a representative has proved Qatar’s allyship amidst all the chaos. Most of all, she has spared no effort to achieve the necessary ceasefire and redevelop the Gaza Strip.
Truly an icon and a trailblazer who knows no limitations, HE Sheikha Alya is one to watch for as she not only opens doors for Arab women in diplomacy but as a peacemaker during turbulent times.
Below, GRAZIA brings you four facts you need to know about HE Sheikha Alya bint Ahmed Al Thani.
She is the first Qatari woman to serve as Permanent Representative for Qatar to the United Nations.
Eleven years ago, in October 2013, HE Sheikha Alya became the first woman ever to hold the position of Permanent Representative. Before her path in this role, between 2011 and 2013, she was also the first Qatari woman to serve as an Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations in Geneva and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Not limiting herself to a minimum, she also acted as the General Consul of the State of Qatar to the Swiss Federation.
She is an advocate for women to strive in diplomacy
As a woman who has excelled in international relations and notably reached a myriad of milestones through her career in diplomacy, SheikhaAlya is looking to share the podium with her fellow Arab women. Since starting her career, her overarching goal has been to give women the opportunity to make changes in the Middle East and further afield.
She Was Inspired by her Father
Her path to take on diplomacy started when she was just a child. Being born in a family of high dignitaries and ministers, it was a sure fact that her goal was set on shaping her world around making change. That started when she watched her late father, HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, take the role of Ambassador of Qatar and an Ambassador in Sweden and Norway.
Sheikha Alya is of Royal lineage
The Sheikha, who was born in 1974, is part of the ruling family tree, the House of Thani. She is a direct descendant of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the founder of the State of Qatar and the Emir.
She plays an active role as a mediator during the conflict
HE Sheikha Alya has been at the forefront of the peace treaty and redevelopment of the Gaza Strip. Since the conflict started 15 months ago, the Sheikha has used her role as Qatar’s UN Ambassador to take necessary steps for the ceasefire. She even pledged a donation Dhs91 million ($25million) to the UN Relief and Works Agency, better known as UNRWA, for the impacted individuals in the Near East.
