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
Her Highness, spouse of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser is a passionate humanitarian and a regional and international fashion icon. The mother of Qatar’s current emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, she is an avid advocate for social reforms, including education. She oversaw the creation of Qatar’s Education City, established in 1997 under her chairmanship of the Qatar Foundation. She founded the Qatar Social Work organization, serves as chair of the Education Above All Foundation and advocates for the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Also known for her noteworthy style, she is a strong supporter of fashion designers in the Arab world and serves as the Honorary Chair of Fashion Trust Arabia, established under her support in September 2018.
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 Hind bint Hamad Al Thani
Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of the Qatar Foundation (QF), leads the organization’s aim to assist the economic and social growth of Qatar. Achieving this through initiatives and programs in three key areas: education, science and community development. Several educational organizations, such as Teach for Qatar, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar National Library, to name a few, have her on their boards. The sheikha held the positions of Director of His Highness the Father Emir of Qatar’s office, as well as Chairperson of the Joint Oversight Board and Executive Committee of the College of the North Atlantic Qatar from 2008 to 2013. Her Excellency was named to the Olympic Education Commission of the International Olympic Committee in 2022.
H.E Sheikha Alanoud Bint Hamad Al Thani
Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad Al Thani is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Business Officer of Qatar Financial Centre (QFC). By facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI) and fostering the growth of a healthy local economy, she contributes significantly to the QFC. Sheikha Alanoud began her career at QFC as the Vice President of Strategic Alliances and soon after, was promoted to Associate Director of Economic Affairs for the MENA. Prior to accepting her present role as Chief Business Officer , she was appointed Managing Director of Business Development in 2017. Sheikha Alanoud was previously the Director and Qatar Representative for Silatech, a social initiative located in Qatar that links youth to job opportunities around the Arab world.
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.
