Princess Sumaya bint Hassan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Princess Sumaya |
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|---|---|
 |
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| Born | 14 May 1971 Amman, Jordan |
| Spouse |
Nasser Judeh
(m. 1992; div. 2007) |
| Issue | 4 |
| House | Hashemite |
| Father | Prince Hassan bin Talal |
| Mother | Sarvath Ikramullah |
| Religion | Islam |
Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan was born on May 14, 1971. She is a princess of Jordan and a first cousin to King Abdullah II. Princess Sumaya is known for her important work in science, technology, and education in Jordan and around the world.
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Early Life and Education
Princess Sumaya was born in Amman, the capital city of Jordan, on May 14, 1971. She is the second daughter of Prince Hassan bin Talal and Princess Sarvath al-Hassan.
She started her schooling in Jordan at the Amman Baptist School and later attended the International Community School. Princess Sumaya then moved to England to study at the Sherborne School for Girls in Dorset. She continued her education at the Courtauld Institute of Art at the University of London. There, she earned a degree in the History of Art, focusing on early Islamic art and buildings.
Making a Difference: Public Life
Princess Sumaya has dedicated her life to helping Jordan grow, especially in science and technology.
Leading in Technology and Science
In 1991, Princess Sumaya started the Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT). She has been the leader of its Board of Trustees ever since. Her goal was to create a top place for research and new ideas in information technology. Today, PSUT is a leading science and technology university in Jordan and the Middle East.
In October 2006, her father, Prince Hassan bin Talal, asked her to become the President of the Royal Scientific Society (RSS). The RSS is a big research center in Jordan. As President of the RSS, Princess Sumaya also helps advise the government on science and technology policies.
She also started the Queen Rania Centre for Entrepreneurship (QRCE). This is Jordan's first university-based center that helps students learn how to start their own businesses. She also created a competition to help young student entrepreneurs.
Global Impact and Peace
Princess Sumaya has worked with international groups too. She was chosen to lead the Board of Governors for the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) Technology Centre.
She has also been a strong supporter of SESAME for over ten years. SESAME is a special science facility in the Middle East. In May 2017, the King of Jordan asked Princess Sumaya to lead Jordan's group at SESAME's official opening.
Princess Sumaya led the 8th World Science Forum in Jordan in 2017. This big event, which brings scientists from all over the world, was held in the Middle East for the first time. Its theme was "Science for Peace."
From 2017 to 2019, Princess Sumaya was a UNESCO Special Envoy for Science for Peace. Today, she continues to serve as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Science for Peace. This means she helps promote science as a way to build peace around the world.
Education and Culture
Since September 2021, Princess Sumaya has been the chair of the Board of Trustees for the Amman Baccalaureate School. She has also been the School Director since September 2022.
She is also the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Jordan Museum, which is Jordan's national museum.
From 2019 to 2022, Princess Sumaya was the President of the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organization (WAITRO). She has also been a member of the Jordan Council of Higher Education since 2009. She is also on the advisory board of the Global Young Academy.
Princess Sumaya is also the Honorary President of the Jordan Handball Federation.
Personal Life
Princess Sumaya was married to Nasser Judeh in August 1992. He was Jordan's former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. They have four children: a son named Tariq Judeh (born 1994), a daughter named Zein el Sharaf Judeh (born 1994), a son named Ali Judeh (born 1996), and a daughter named Sukayna Judeh (born 1998). Princess Sumaya and Nasser Judeh divorced in 2007.
Awards and Recognitions
Princess Sumaya has received special honors from other countries:
- Germany: She received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany on February 6, 2017.
- Sweden: She became a Member Grand Cross of the Order of the Polar Star on November 15, 2022.
