Queen Rania
A Royal Arrival
The Hashemite Court Welcomes Prince Hashem

The Royal Hashemite Court recently welcomed the arrival of HRH Prince Hashem, the fourth born child of the King of Jordan. His arrival was celebrated in true Hashemite style with King Abdullah and Queen Rania taking the opportunity of their son's birth to enhance their charitable activities.

The King and Queen have three other children, their Royal Highnesses Prince Hussein, age ten, Princess Iman, age eight, and Princess Salma, age four, so they decided to celebrate the new addition to their family by calling on citizens to donate to the Al Amman Campaign for the Future of Orphans.

Donating to the campaign, launched by Queen Rania in Ramadan 2003, provides a meaningful way for people to congratulate the couple, instead of posting congratulatory ads in newspapers or sending flowers. Furthermore, on this happy occasion, his Majesty King Abdullah ordered assistance and food items to be distributed to disadvantaged families around the Kingdom. Thousands of families in the governorates, badia areas and refugee camps received enough to meet their needs for six months.

Philanthropy and community development are an integral part of the plans of the Hashemite court. As First Lady, Queen Rania's activities encompass issues of national concern, such as the environment, youth, human rights, tourism, and culture, among others. She also has a special interest in several core issues: the development of income-generating projects, the advancement of best practices in the field of micro finance, the promotion of family safety and the protection of children from violence, the promotion of Early Childhood Development, the incorporation of Information Technology in the educational system, the promotion of tourism and the preservation of Jordan’s heritage.

Queen Rania also chairs the Jordan River Foundation, which aims to promote income and empowerment for women through handicraft enterprises. She is also keen on sport, and chairs the Jordanian Water Sports Federation. As one of her colleagues at the Jordan River Foundation explains, ''She is very close to people, and has a good understanding of their problems. She is warm, likes challenges, and is tremendously knowledgeable.''

Queen Rania also heads numerous national, regional, and international organizations that work to raise economic, social, and cultural standards in communities in Jordan and around the globe. While these organizations work in a wide range of areas, they share a common commitment to contributing to the development of society and to the betterment of the lives of people. Thus it is clear to see that Queen continues to spread her good fortune as much as she can, and continues to use her influence to make a difference. And it seems the arrival of her new baby has only strengthened her resolve and commitment to helping others.