Latest news with #QueenRania
The National
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Queen Rania skips Jordan's Independence Day celebrations due to back injury
Queen Rania skipped Jordan's Independence Day celebrations on Sunday due to a back injury. The Jordanian royal shared a photo of herself watching the celebrations on television with Princess Iman, who gave birth to her first child, daughter Amina, in February. "Happy Independence Day to our beloved Jordan. I look forward to celebrating this day alongside His Majesty each year, but I am tuning in from home after treatment for back pain - with my dear Iman graciously keeping me company," Queen Rania posted on Instagram. In Arabic, she jokingly added that she has joined "the Jordanian disc club", suggesting spinal issues. Jordan celebrated its 79th Independence Day with patriotic fervour on Sunday. Streets across Amman were lined with flags, while government buildings, historical sites and main roads were dressed in red, white, green and black – the colours of the Jordanian flag. This year's celebrations featured cultural performances, air and drone shows and a special ceremony attended by the royal family at Al Husseiniya Palace in the evening. The Royal Hashemite Court posted a photo of King Abdullah II accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein, Princess Salma and Prince Hashem arriving for the ceremony. Prince Hussein's wife, Princess Rajwa, who turned 31 in April, was not seen in the photo. At the ceremony, King Abdullah bestowed medals upon several distinguished Jordanian individuals and leading national institutions in recognition of their significant contributions and services to the nation and its people, state news agency Roya News reported. Crown Prince Hussein also posted a photo from the event. "Today, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of a group of Jordanians whose dedication continues to inspire. Happy Independence Day," he shared on Instagram.
The National
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Postcard from Madaba: Cosy bookshop Kawon is a universe of rare titles, cats and community
The ancient Jordanian town of Madaba − known as the City of Mosaics − is a tourism magnet, with its historic streets, olive trees and hidden gems tucked away in every corner. One of these magical nooks is Kawon, a bookshop in the centre of town on Palestine Street, that is known for its stock of rare editions, quirky interior − and a resident tribe of cats. The bookshop, the town's first, was opened 10 years ago by Ghaith Bahdousheh, who left the corporate world to sell books. Mr Bahdousheh told Jordanian media at its launch that he started Kawon because there were no books accessible to him in his town, forcing him to drive almost an hour to Amman every time he wanted to buy some. He received help from volunteers around the world with funding and books, and also support from Queen Rania of Jordan. A circular black sign etched with the shop's name − which means universe in Arabic − hangs from an archway at the entrance to the 150-year-old building and its garden, which features spaces for browsing, dining or simply relaxing, with cats milling about for company. Going through the front entrance – where a wooden stand displays a colourful assortment of home-made jam and other condiments for sale – and going down the steps into the shop feels like being transported to a different world. Inside is a display of vintage audio cassettes, maps, records and handmade souvenirs. Past the cashier, new and second-hand books, sorted according to genre, are scattered around three rooms; some on shelves other stacked in piles on the floor. Works of art can be found in every section of the shop, including a prominently displayed portrait of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, decorated with coffee pods and the lids of tins. One of the rooms houses an extensive inventory of rare titles, antique books in several languages, and historical Asian artwork. For cat lovers, there is the prospect of occasionally discovering a cardboard box with a litter of kittens safely stowed away here. Besides being a bibliophile's dream, Kawon has an outdoor space that encourages social gatherings, especially among young people, and builds a sense of community. 'Kawon is a unique and special place in Madaba,' says Mera Sayegh, 26, who lived in the town before moving to California. 'Sometimes, I went alone when I needed some quiet time. With friends, it was fun and lively, and alone, it was calm and reflective.' Ms Sayegh says she misses the 'vibe' of the shop − from its coffee to its music, books and people. 'I always enjoyed spending time there. It had a peaceful atmosphere that made me feel comfortable and happy. It always lifted my mood.' Madaba residents are not the only visitors though. Travellers from all over the world have made it a point to come here when visiting Jordan. One tourist on Tripadvisor said the wall murals caught her eye, and she has had the best cup of chai in Kawon. 'So glad we stopped in, wish we had done so sooner and more frequently during our stay in Madaba … a treasure when travelling. Don't miss this place,' she said. Another user recommended Kawon's cafe. 'My favourite part was the cafe. There's a section upstairs, just outside the entrance to the bookstore that offers food, so I ordered from them their dish of the day – which was superb! Seriously, it was probably my favourite meal during my time in Jordan,' she said. A vegetarian kitchen – which serves a new dish daily – and coffee shop sit between the bookstore and garden outdoors, its walls lined with jars of herbs and local spices. As customers wait for their orders, conversations blossom about food, books they are reading, or how their day has been. Madaba being a small town, many of the visitors are likely to know each another, creating a strong local community. People can also be seen stretched out on the Arab floor seating in the large outdoor area, reading and sipping sage tea as soft music plays through the speakers. Tables and chairs are also set up for dining around the garden, each set with its own personality, with some seat cushions upholstered from coffee bags and rugs. When there are no customers, the seats are occupied by sunbathing felines that can also be seen strutting about the place, enjoying the bowls of food and water the owners leave out for them. Over the years, their presence has become a feature of the bookshop, attracting new customers and adding to the ambience.
Arab News
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Guerlain names Mohammed Hindash first Middle East makeup ambassador
DUBAI: French beauty house Guerlain this week appointed Dubai-based celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur Mohammed Hindash as its first-ever regional makeup ambassador for the Middle East. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ A post shared by hindash (@hindash) Hindash, founder of the makeup brand Hindash Cosmetics, has worked with a roster of international and regional celebrities. His clientele includes Naomi Campbell, Lindsay Lohan, Chanel Iman, Natalia Vodianova, Rahma Riadh, Yusra Mardini, Nancy Ajram, Mona Zaki, Dana Hourani and Mona Kattan. He also did Queen Rania of Jordan's makeup for the royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa in 2023. He took to Instagram to write: 'My chapter with @guerlain represents more than just beauty, it embodies timeless innovation rooted in heritage. 'I'm beyond thrilled to be announced as their first makeup ambassador in the Middle East as I showcase Guerlain through my lens and artistry,' he added. 'I have immersed myself in the rich history of the Maison, and I can't wait to narrate the story on my models' faces.'
Jordan Times
15-04-2025
- General
- Jordan Times
British Council celebrates success of 102 high-achieving students at Queen Rania Outstanding UK Learner Awards 2025
British Council in Jordan hosts on Thursday the 19th edition of the Queen Rania Outstanding UK Learner Awards Photo courtesy of British Council AMMAN — Under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania, the British Council in Jordan hosted the 19th edition of the Queen Rania Outstanding UK Learner Awards on Thursday in recognition of the exceptional results of 102 Jordanian students in the IGCSE, International GCSE, International AS & A Level, GCE, and GCSE exams by Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel, and OxfordAQA. In addition to celebrating the achievements of students who have completed the UK International Curriculum in Jordan, the annual ceremony also recognized the contributions of nine distinguished teachers and congratulated parents who supported their children throughout their academic journey, according to a statement from the British Council. Speaking at the ceremony, British Council Director Exams – MENA North, Ameera Mannaa said, "The Queen Rania Outstanding UK Learner Awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work of students, teachers, and parents in Jordan,' adding that the British Council is 'committed to supporting the development of education systems in Jordan and promoting international cooperation and understanding.' Mannaa also noted that the 'ceremony is an opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements of these outstanding students, and to recognise the important role that education plays in shaping the future." The awards ceremony was attended by over 400 guests, including 80 representatives from British Council Partner Schools, representatives from the Jordanian Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and representatives from UK awarding bodies, Cambridge, Pearson, and Oxford AQA. Established in 2003, the Queen Rania Outstanding UK Learner Awards align with Her Majesty's vision to foster excellence in education across Jordan. Page 2
Jordan Times
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Jordan Times
Queen Rania hosts Iftar for Jordanian youth
Her Majesty Queen Rania hosts an Iftar banquet at Al Husseiniya Palace on Wednesday for a group of accomplished Jordanian youth from across the kingdom, including volunteers, journalists, artists, startup owners, entrepreneurs, and beneficiaries of Al Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans (Photo courtesy of Office of Her Majesty) AMMAN — Her Majesty Queen Rania hosted an Iftar banquet at Al Husseiniya Palace on Wednesday for a group of accomplished Jordanian youth from across the kingdom, including volunteers, journalists, artists, startup owners, entrepreneurs, and beneficiaries of Al Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans. Addressing the youth, Her Majesty said, 'It makes me happy to see you getting to know each other and exchanging ideas that help serve our community. This is especially important in light of technology's growing influence over our relationships and the way we communicate with each other," according to a statement from Office of Her Majesty. Noting how artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving in a manner that is impacting today's youth and their future, Her Majesty stressed the importance of keeping pace with current advancements without losing sight of moral and humanitarian values, the statement said. 'It has never been easier to create and share content that spreads divisiveness and hatred, while eroding our capacity for empathy and compassion,' Her Majesty said adding that these technologies must be employed in an ethical manner that aligns with our humanity. The Queen also noted that values and morals are considered a valuable asset to people in Jordan. 'What sets us apart is how well we treat each other. Even as we strive for change and advancement, we continue to hold on to our longstanding principles.' Expressing her pride in the youth, Her Majesty applauded the youth's efforts to remain at the forefront of their fields, stating, 'His Majesty and I have always been inspired by future generations to keep moving forward. Your hard work and innovative thinking are a great source of optimism for us," according to the statement. The Queen concluded by reflecting on the opportunities Ramadan affords individuals to rethink their lives and find ways to become better people for themselves and those around them. The young men and women attending talked to Her Majesty about their work and endeavors while breaking their fast, and thanked her for bringing them together over Iftar and giving them the opportunity to meet.
