9 Things You Need to Know About Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad of Qatar
9 Things You Need to Know About Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad of Qatar
Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad is a prominent figure in Qatar and the world. She is the Chairperson of the Qatar Museums Authority, and is regarded as one of the most powerful women in the art world.
Here are nine things you need to know about her:
فيديو ذات صلة
This browser does not support the video element.
1. Early life and education
Sheikha Al Mayassa was born in 1983, the daughter of the former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and his second wife, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. She attended Qatar Academy, and then went on to study at Duke University in North Carolina, USA, where she earned a degree in Political Science and French.
2. She is the Chairperson of the Qatar Museums Authority
Sheikha Al Mayassa was appointed as the Chairperson of the Qatar Museums Authority in 2006, at the age of just 23. She has overseen the development of some of the most prestigious cultural institutions in Qatar, including the National Museum of Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the Arab Museum of Modern Art.
3. She is one of the most influential figures in the world
Sheikha Al Mayassa was ranked 91 on the Forbes Power Women list in 2014 and in the same year, she featured in the Time 100. She was joined on the list by the likes of Germany’s Angela Merkel and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
4. Her involvement in Qatar’s bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Sheikha Al Mayassa was also heavily involved in Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. She played a key role in the development of the country’s bid, which included the construction of several new sports facilities.
5. Her philanthropic efforts
Sheikha Al Mayassa is known for her philanthropic efforts. She has established several charitable foundations and organizations, including Reach Out To Asia, which focuses on improving education in the Middle East, and the Qatar Museums Foundation, which aims to promote art and culture in Qatar and beyond.
6. Her influence in Qatar’s political landscape
As a member of Qatar’s ruling family, Sheikha Al Mayassa holds significant influence in the country’s political landscape. She is considered to be one of the most important advisers to the current Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
7. Her personal style
Sheikha Al Mayassa is known for her elegant and refined personal style. She often wears traditional Qatari clothing, and is known to be a fan of luxury fashion brands such as Chanel and Dior and is the co-chair of Fashion Trust Arabia, one of the most notable fashion events in the region.
8. Her commitment to preserving Qatari culture
Despite her international influence, Sheikha Al Mayassa remains committed to preserving and promoting Qatari culture. She has been instrumental in the development of several initiatives aimed at preserving Qatar’s cultural heritage, such as the establishment of the Museum of Islamic Art.
9. Her impact on the art world
Sheikha Al Mayassa’s impact on the art world cannot be overstated. She has been responsible for the acquisition of some of the most valuable works of art in history, including Paul Cézanne’s The Card Players, which sold for over $250 million. Her influence on the industry is likely to continue for many years to come.
Under her leadership, Qatar Museums has had an estimated annual spend of $1 billion, making her “the undisputed queen of the art world,” according to Forbes. The museums group has also partnered with the Prada Foundation for the global competition Curate, which was launched in May 2013.
Conclusion
Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad is one of the most powerful and influential women in the world. Her role as Chairperson of the Qatar Museums Authority has enabled her to shape the cultural landscape of Qatar, while her philanthropic efforts and commitment to preserving Qatari culture have made her a role model for many. Her impact on the art world is undeniable, and her influence is likely to continue for many years to come.