• 1955: King Hussein of Jordan weds first wife, Dina bint Abdul-Hamid, former Queen of Jordan, on April 19. Getty Images
    1955: King Hussein of Jordan weds first wife, Dina bint Abdul-Hamid, former Queen of Jordan, on April 19. Getty Images
  • 1961: King Hussein of Jordan and second wife, Antoinette Gardiner, who became Princess Muna al-Hussein upon marriage, leaving the Zahran Palace after their wedding ceremony, Amman on May 29. Getty Images
    1961: King Hussein of Jordan and second wife, Antoinette Gardiner, who became Princess Muna al-Hussein upon marriage, leaving the Zahran Palace after their wedding ceremony, Amman on May 29. Getty Images
  • 1970: Princess Basma of Jordan with Timoor Daghistani after their wedding ceremony on April 2.
    1970: Princess Basma of Jordan with Timoor Daghistani after their wedding ceremony on April 2.
  • 1993: The wedding of Abdullah II of Jordan and Queen Rania on June 10. AFP
    1993: The wedding of Abdullah II of Jordan and Queen Rania on June 10. AFP
  • 1993: The couple on their wedding day with King Hussein of Jordan, far right, and Queen Noor. AFP
    1993: The couple on their wedding day with King Hussein of Jordan, far right, and Queen Noor. AFP
  • 2004: The wedding of Prince Hamzah bin Hussein of Jordan and Princess Noor. Getty Images
    2004: The wedding of Prince Hamzah bin Hussein of Jordan and Princess Noor. Getty Images
  • 2020: Princess Raiyah, centre, daughter of Queen Noor of Jordan, left, marries Roald Dahl's grandson Ned Donovan in small UK ceremony. Photo: Arabia Royal Agency
    2020: Princess Raiyah, centre, daughter of Queen Noor of Jordan, left, marries Roald Dahl's grandson Ned Donovan in small UK ceremony. Photo: Arabia Royal Agency
  • 2020: The couple announced their engagement in 2019, and put a big wedding on hold because of pandemic. Photo: Twitter / RaiyahHKJ
    2020: The couple announced their engagement in 2019, and put a big wedding on hold because of pandemic. Photo: Twitter / RaiyahHKJ
  • 2023: Princess Iman married Jameel Alexander Thermiotis in Amman on March 12. AFP
    2023: Princess Iman married Jameel Alexander Thermiotis in Amman on March 12. AFP

Jordanian royal weddings through the years, from Princess Iman to Queen Rania


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

This year is set to be a busy one for the Jordanian royal family, with two weddings taking place.

On Sunday, Princess Iman, 26, wed Jameel Alexander Thermiotis at the family’s palace on the outskirts of Amman, walked down the aisle by her elder brother, Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah, 28, who will also tie the knot this year.

Prince Hussein announced his engagement last year to Rajwa Al Saif. The engagement took place at Al Saif's father's home in Riyadh. The news was announced on Twitter with four photos showing the couple together, with Prince Hussein's parents, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, pictured alongside members of Al Saif's family.

  • The Royal Hashemite Court has announced Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah's engagement to Rajwa Al Saif. All photos: Royal Hashemite Court
    The Royal Hashemite Court has announced Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah's engagement to Rajwa Al Saif. All photos: Royal Hashemite Court
  • From left, Queen Rania, Al Saif, Prince Hussein and King Abdullah II at the engagement ceremony
    From left, Queen Rania, Al Saif, Prince Hussein and King Abdullah II at the engagement ceremony
  • A statement issued by the court said it 'extends its sincere congratulations on this occasion'
    A statement issued by the court said it 'extends its sincere congratulations on this occasion'
  • The Royal Hashemite Court announced the engagement on Twitter
    The Royal Hashemite Court announced the engagement on Twitter
  • Queen Rania congratulated her son on Twitter
    Queen Rania congratulated her son on Twitter
  • Al Saif, Queen Rania and Prince Hussein
    Al Saif, Queen Rania and Prince Hussein
  • Al Saif and Prince Hussein during the engagement ceremony
    Al Saif and Prince Hussein during the engagement ceremony
  • King Abdullah embraces Al Saif
    King Abdullah embraces Al Saif

The pair will wed on June 1, the Royal Hashemite Court announced.

As the couple prepare for their nuptials, we take a look back at some of the most high-profile Jordanian royal weddings that have come before.

1955: King Hussein and Dina bint Abdul-Hamid

On April 19, 1955, King Hussein of Jordan married his first wife, Dina bint Abdul-Hamid. The pair were distant cousins, and first met in London three years earlier, while Dina was studying at the University of Cambridge.

Their engagement was announced in 1954 by King Hussein’s mother, Queen Zein Al Sharaf. Dina became the Queen of Jordan after the pair’s wedding, and 10 months later, on February, 13, 1956, she gave birth to the king's first child, Princess Alia.

However, the marriage ended in divorce in 1957, after which Dina became known as HRH Princess Dina Abdul-Hamid of Jordan.

1961: King Hussein and Antoinette Gardiner

Four years after the end of his first marriage, King Hussein married second wife, Antoinette Gardiner, on May 29, 1961.

Antoinette, who was born in Britain, is said to have meet King Hussein while working as a secretarial assistant on the set of Lawrence of Arabia.

After the pair married, she changed her name to Princess Muna al-Hussein. Together, the couple had four children, Abdullah II of Jordan, Prince Faisal, and twins Princess Aisha and Princess Zein.

The couple divorced in 1972.

King Hussein was also married to Alia Toukan on December 24, 1972, but she died in a helicopter crash in 1977. He then married Lisa Halaby on June 15, 1978, who became Queen Noor of Jordan.

1970: Princess Basma and Timoor Daghistani

Princess Basma bint Talal of Jordan, sister of King Hussein, married Colonel Timoor Daghistani on April 2, 1970.

Together, the couple had two children: Farah Daghistani and Ghazi Daghistani.

The pair divorced in the late 1970s. Princess Basma is the paternal aunt to current King Abdullah II of Jordan.

1993: King Abdullah II of Jordan and Queen Rania

King Abdullah II Jordan and Queen Rania receive the Path to Peace Award in New York on May 9, 2022. AFP
King Abdullah II Jordan and Queen Rania receive the Path to Peace Award in New York on May 9, 2022. AFP

At the time of their marriage in 1993, King Abdullah II was the Jordanian Crown Prince. He first met Rania Al-Abdullah in January 1993 at a dinner party. At the time, she was working in Amman in the marketing department of Apple.

Rania, who was born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents, had moved to Jordan two years earlier. Five months after first meeting, the pair were married on June 10, 1993. The day was considered a national holiday.

Together, the couple have four children: Crown Prince Hussein, Princess Iman, Princess Salma and Prince Hashem.

2004: Prince Hamzah and Princess Noor

Prince Hamzah bin Hussein, younger brother of King Abdullah II, married his second cousin, Princess Noor bint Asem bin Nayef, at Al Baraka Palace in Amman on August 29, 2003, although an official ceremony was held the following year, on May 27, 2004.

The couple had a daughter, Princess Haya bint Hamzah, born on April 18, 2007.

They divorced in 2009.

2020: Princess Raiyah and Ned Donovan

  • Jordan's Princess Raiyah bint Al Hussein married Roald Dahl's grandson in a small ceremony, their big wedding on hold because of the coronavirus. Twitter / RaiyahHKJ
    Jordan's Princess Raiyah bint Al Hussein married Roald Dahl's grandson in a small ceremony, their big wedding on hold because of the coronavirus. Twitter / RaiyahHKJ
  • Queen Noor of Jordan, with her daughter Princess Raiyah and Ned Donovan on their wedding day. Arabian Royal Agency
    Queen Noor of Jordan, with her daughter Princess Raiyah and Ned Donovan on their wedding day. Arabian Royal Agency
  • Ned Donovan converted to Islam ahead of the wedding, and took the name Faris. Twitter / RaiyahHKJ
    Ned Donovan converted to Islam ahead of the wedding, and took the name Faris. Twitter / RaiyahHKJ
  • Guests sat at a distance from each other while the couple were formally married in order to adhere to social-distancing advice. Arabian Royal Agency
    Guests sat at a distance from each other while the couple were formally married in order to adhere to social-distancing advice. Arabian Royal Agency

Princess Raiyah, daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan and Queen Noor of Jordan, married Roald Dahl's grandson, Ned Donovan, in July 2020.

The couple got engaged on October 26, 2019, and a royal statement at the time read: "The Royal Hashemite Court extends its sincere congratulations to Her Royal Highness Princess Raiyah and to Mr Donovan on this occasion."

The grandson of beloved British children's book author Roald Dahl, Donovan is a freelance journalist, and has contributed to The Spectator, New Statesman and The Telegraph. His mother is Tessa Dahl and his father is an entrepreneur, Patrick Donovan.

Donovan converted to Islam before the wedding, and took the name Faris.

2023: Princess Iman and Jameel Alexander Thermiotis

  • The Jordanian monarch's elder daughter Princess Iman and Jameel Thermiotis during their wedding in Amman on March 12, 2023. AFP
    The Jordanian monarch's elder daughter Princess Iman and Jameel Thermiotis during their wedding in Amman on March 12, 2023. AFP
  • The groom places the ring on the finger of his bride. AFP
    The groom places the ring on the finger of his bride. AFP
  • The couple cut the cake following the ceremony. AFP
    The couple cut the cake following the ceremony. AFP
  • The couple smile for photographers after the ceremony. AFP
    The couple smile for photographers after the ceremony. AFP
  • The couple wed in Amman in the presence of family, friends and dignitaries. AFP
    The couple wed in Amman in the presence of family, friends and dignitaries. AFP
  • The wedding took place at King Abdullah's palace in the Dabouq district, west of Amman. AFP
    The wedding took place at King Abdullah's palace in the Dabouq district, west of Amman. AFP
  • Crown Prince Hussein walks his sister Princess Iman down the aisle. Getty
    Crown Prince Hussein walks his sister Princess Iman down the aisle. Getty
  • The princess, 26, wore a custom Dior white gown with a lace neckline and cuffs, and a trailing veil. AFP
    The princess, 26, wore a custom Dior white gown with a lace neckline and cuffs, and a trailing veil. AFP
  • She also wore a diamond tiara reportedly owned by her grandmother, Princess Muna Al Hussein, mother of King Abdullah. AFP
    She also wore a diamond tiara reportedly owned by her grandmother, Princess Muna Al Hussein, mother of King Abdullah. AFP
  • Princess Iman hugs her mother, Queen Rania. AFP
    Princess Iman hugs her mother, Queen Rania. AFP
  • Crown Prince Hussein looks on as his father, King Abdullah, congratulates Princess Iman. AFP
    Crown Prince Hussein looks on as his father, King Abdullah, congratulates Princess Iman. AFP
  • Crown Prince Hussein and his Saudi fiancee Rajwa Al Saif. AFP
    Crown Prince Hussein and his Saudi fiancee Rajwa Al Saif. AFP
  • King Abdullah and Queen Rania welcome the Jordanian monarch's uncle Prince Hassan bin Talal and his wife Princess Sarvath Al Hassan. AFP
    King Abdullah and Queen Rania welcome the Jordanian monarch's uncle Prince Hassan bin Talal and his wife Princess Sarvath Al Hassan. AFP
  • Crown Prince Hussein at the wedding ceremony of his sister Princess Iman. AFP
    Crown Prince Hussein at the wedding ceremony of his sister Princess Iman. AFP
  • The couple sit alongside King Abdullah during the ceremony. AFP
    The couple sit alongside King Abdullah during the ceremony. AFP
  • King Abdullah looks on as Princess Iman signs her marriage certificate. AFP
    King Abdullah looks on as Princess Iman signs her marriage certificate. AFP
  • King Abdullah and Queen Rania with the bride and the groom. AFP
    King Abdullah and Queen Rania with the bride and the groom. AFP
  • King Abdullah and Queen Rania with members of the royal family and the bride and groom, after the wedding ceremony. AFP
    King Abdullah and Queen Rania with members of the royal family and the bride and groom, after the wedding ceremony. AFP

Princess Iman, the eldest daughter of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, married Jameel Alexander Thermiotis on March 12, 2023.

The couple got engaged in July 2022 in the presence of the monarch and queen, as well as Princess Iman's three siblings and several members of Thermiotis's family.

Thermiotis was born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1994 and is of Greek descent. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and works in finance in New York.

The wedding took place at the family’s palace on the outskirts of Amman in the presence of members of the royal family, friends and dignitaries. Princess Iman's elder brother, Crown Prince Hussein, walked her down the aisle.

She wore a custom Dior white gown with a lace neckline and cuffs, and a trailing veil, paired with a diamond tiara reportedly owned by her grandmother, Princess Muna Al Hussein, the mother of King Abdullah.

A version of this article was first published on July 7, 2022.

Queen Rania's royal style in 64 pictures

  • Queen Rania, wearing a dress by British designer Bruce Oldfield, on her wedding day to King Abdullah II at the Royal Palace in Amman, Jordan on June 10, 1993. AFP
    Queen Rania, wearing a dress by British designer Bruce Oldfield, on her wedding day to King Abdullah II at the Royal Palace in Amman, Jordan on June 10, 1993. AFP
  • Queen Rania, with Senator Jesse Helms in Washington DC on June 7, 2000, wears a simple black suit with a blue blouse, a style format she stuck to in the early 2000s. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, with Senator Jesse Helms in Washington DC on June 7, 2000, wears a simple black suit with a blue blouse, a style format she stuck to in the early 2000s. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania of Jordan, pictured in Amman in November 2000, sports a beige two-piece with a contrasting teal shirt. Getty Images
    Queen Rania of Jordan, pictured in Amman in November 2000, sports a beige two-piece with a contrasting teal shirt. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania, pictured with a newborn Princess Salma as well as Princess Iman and Crown Prince Hussein, wears a maroon turtleneck in November 2000. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, pictured with a newborn Princess Salma as well as Princess Iman and Crown Prince Hussein, wears a maroon turtleneck in November 2000. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania, pictured in Amman on December 17, 2000, has long highlighted traditional Jordanian craftsmanship through her wardrobe choices. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, pictured in Amman on December 17, 2000, has long highlighted traditional Jordanian craftsmanship through her wardrobe choices. Getty Images
  • The royal experimented with a fringe and layered haircut in April, 2001. Getty Images
    The royal experimented with a fringe and layered haircut in April, 2001. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania, here photographed on June 6, 2001, was an early proponent of the power suit. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, here photographed on June 6, 2001, was an early proponent of the power suit. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania, pictured in Rome on October 12, 2001, also dabbled with lighter locks in the past. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, pictured in Rome on October 12, 2001, also dabbled with lighter locks in the past. Getty Images
  • For a visit to London in November 2001, Queen Rania, pictured with Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, chose elegant navy separates, for a finish that still looks contemporary. Getty Images
    For a visit to London in November 2001, Queen Rania, pictured with Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, chose elegant navy separates, for a finish that still looks contemporary. Getty Images
  • While in London in November 2001, the royal, pictured with Cherie Blair, began to show her appreciation for architectural cuts. Getty Images
    While in London in November 2001, the royal, pictured with Cherie Blair, began to show her appreciation for architectural cuts. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania, photographed with artist Hind Nasser on November 29, 2001, made a lesser-seen dabble with pastel tones in this co-ordinating lavender suit. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, photographed with artist Hind Nasser on November 29, 2001, made a lesser-seen dabble with pastel tones in this co-ordinating lavender suit. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania, pictured arriving at King Abdullah's birthday party on January 29, 2002, wears a dramatic full-length coat over a classic shirt-and-trousers combo. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, pictured arriving at King Abdullah's birthday party on January 29, 2002, wears a dramatic full-length coat over a classic shirt-and-trousers combo. Getty Images
  • The royal, pictured on June 10, 2002 in Amman, didn't escape the sunglasses trends and the pinstriped blazers of the early 2000s. Getty Images
    The royal, pictured on June 10, 2002 in Amman, didn't escape the sunglasses trends and the pinstriped blazers of the early 2000s. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania, pictured with Baroness Symons and Maria Shammas on June 17, 2002, has long favourite monochrome ensembles with clean lines, as per this asymmetric coat and trousers look. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, pictured with Baroness Symons and Maria Shammas on June 17, 2002, has long favourite monochrome ensembles with clean lines, as per this asymmetric coat and trousers look. Getty Images
  • The royal wears peachy chiffon embellished with sequins for a gala dinner in France on September 30, 2002. Getty Images
    The royal wears peachy chiffon embellished with sequins for a gala dinner in France on September 30, 2002. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania wears a bolero jacket over a velvet evening gown at Bellevue Palace in October 22, 2002 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
    Queen Rania wears a bolero jacket over a velvet evening gown at Bellevue Palace in October 22, 2002 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania first started embracing the pussybow blouse, a style she still favours to this day, in October 2002 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
    Queen Rania first started embracing the pussybow blouse, a style she still favours to this day, in October 2002 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
  • The royal looked to a Rennaissance-worthy velvet gown on December 2, 2002 in Versailles, France. Getty Images
    The royal looked to a Rennaissance-worthy velvet gown on December 2, 2002 in Versailles, France. Getty Images
  • The royal, pictured with Queen Sofia of Spain on September 30, 2003, wears knee-high boots with a chic sleeveless dress. Getty Images
    The royal, pictured with Queen Sofia of Spain on September 30, 2003, wears knee-high boots with a chic sleeveless dress. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania champions the skirt suit on March 8, 2004 in Beirut. Getty Images
    Queen Rania champions the skirt suit on March 8, 2004 in Beirut. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania looks red carpet ready in cream satin for a gala dinner at El Pardo Royal Palace on May 21, 2004 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
    Queen Rania looks red carpet ready in cream satin for a gala dinner at El Pardo Royal Palace on May 21, 2004 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
  • For the wedding of Spanish Crown Prince Felipe de Bourbon and former journalist Letizia Ortiz on May 22, 2004, Queen Rania donned a simple white shirt, dressed up by a lilac and lace maxi. Getty Images
    For the wedding of Spanish Crown Prince Felipe de Bourbon and former journalist Letizia Ortiz on May 22, 2004, Queen Rania donned a simple white shirt, dressed up by a lilac and lace maxi. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania, while visiting British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie, dressed for the UK's wintry climes in a knitted tunic layered over trousers on November 6, 2006. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, while visiting British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie, dressed for the UK's wintry climes in a knitted tunic layered over trousers on November 6, 2006. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania dresses up an emerald gown with a sleek black stole at the Foreign Press Association Awards on November 23, 2004 in London. Getty Images
    Queen Rania dresses up an emerald gown with a sleek black stole at the Foreign Press Association Awards on November 23, 2004 in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania, then pregnant with Prince Hashem, wears a textured coat on November 29, 2004 in Amman. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, then pregnant with Prince Hashem, wears a textured coat on November 29, 2004 in Amman. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania, pictured with Renee Zellweger, wears a long navy dress on June 11, 2006 for an event on the Jordanian shore of the Dead Sea. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, pictured with Renee Zellweger, wears a long navy dress on June 11, 2006 for an event on the Jordanian shore of the Dead Sea. Getty Images
  • The royal, pictured in Cape Town on April 3, 2006, dressed up a simple shirt with layered necklaces. Getty Images
    The royal, pictured in Cape Town on April 3, 2006, dressed up a simple shirt with layered necklaces. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania wrapped. atrench coat over a printed tea dress at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, UK, on August 11, 2006. Getty Images
    Queen Rania wrapped. atrench coat over a printed tea dress at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, UK, on August 11, 2006. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania experimented with velvet for daywear in this blazer on October 30, 2006 in The Hague, Netherlands. Getty Images
    Queen Rania experimented with velvet for daywear in this blazer on October 30, 2006 in The Hague, Netherlands. Getty Images
  • This royal blue gown was offset by a woven belt on October 31, 2006 in Scheveningen, Netherlands. Getty Images
    This royal blue gown was offset by a woven belt on October 31, 2006 in Scheveningen, Netherlands. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania donned a classic LBD for a Unesco Goodwill Ambassadors meeting on April 3, 2007 in Paris, France. Getty Images
    Queen Rania donned a classic LBD for a Unesco Goodwill Ambassadors meeting on April 3, 2007 in Paris, France. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania demonstrates why she reigns at tailored separates on October 31, 2007, in Amman. Getty Images
    Queen Rania demonstrates why she reigns at tailored separates on October 31, 2007, in Amman. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania is the picture of elegance in pale dove grey Elie Saab at the Bambi Awards on November 29, 2007 in Germany. Getty Images
    Queen Rania is the picture of elegance in pale dove grey Elie Saab at the Bambi Awards on November 29, 2007 in Germany. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania, pictured with Queen Sofia of Spain on October 18, 2008, dips a toe into the then-emerging lace trend. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, pictured with Queen Sofia of Spain on October 18, 2008, dips a toe into the then-emerging lace trend. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania keeps it elegant in a tonal autumnal look on October 18, 2008 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
    Queen Rania keeps it elegant in a tonal autumnal look on October 18, 2008 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania, pictured with King Constantin of Greece, wore an artfully draped purple gown to the wedding banquet for Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden on June 19, 2010 in Stockholm, Sweden. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, pictured with King Constantin of Greece, wore an artfully draped purple gown to the wedding banquet for Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden on June 19, 2010 in Stockholm, Sweden. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania turns to a scalloped coral silk dress on October 30, 2008 in Paris, France. Getty Images
    Queen Rania turns to a scalloped coral silk dress on October 30, 2008 in Paris, France. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania amps up the drama with an oversized applique bloom at Windsor Castle on May 18, 2012 in London. Getty Images
    Queen Rania amps up the drama with an oversized applique bloom at Windsor Castle on May 18, 2012 in London. Getty Images
  • The royal steps out in a blue dress with flattering white panels while with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall on March 12, 2013, in Amman. Getty Images
    The royal steps out in a blue dress with flattering white panels while with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall on March 12, 2013, in Amman. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania embraces a fringe of feathers with this long-sleeved top and draped skirt at the Women in the World summit on October 8, 2015 in London, England. Getty Images
    Queen Rania embraces a fringe of feathers with this long-sleeved top and draped skirt at the Women in the World summit on October 8, 2015 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania, pictured with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and German politician Christian Lindner on September 17, 2015 , wears a belted skirt with a subtly embellished blouse. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, pictured with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and German politician Christian Lindner on September 17, 2015 , wears a belted skirt with a subtly embellished blouse. Getty Images
  • The royal, pictured with Queen Letizia of Spain, wrapped up in a fashion-forward tweed jacket to arrive in Madrid on November 19, 2015. Getty Images
    The royal, pictured with Queen Letizia of Spain, wrapped up in a fashion-forward tweed jacket to arrive in Madrid on November 19, 2015. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania, photographed with Queen Letizia of Spain on November 20, 2015, has long championed the midi skirt, but this pleated black and white number might be her best one yet. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, photographed with Queen Letizia of Spain on November 20, 2015, has long championed the midi skirt, but this pleated black and white number might be her best one yet. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania debuted a cutaway coat layered over a hot-pink pencil dress on January 8, 2016 in London. Getty Images
    Queen Rania debuted a cutaway coat layered over a hot-pink pencil dress on January 8, 2016 in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania looks regal in a flowing teal gown, and complementing golden headband, at the Royal Hashemite Court on June 2, 2016. Getty Images
    Queen Rania looks regal in a flowing teal gown, and complementing golden headband, at the Royal Hashemite Court on June 2, 2016. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania, with Crown Prince Hussein, embraces Hama Fashion's traditional prints in a modern silhouette for Jordan's 70th Independence Day on May 25, 2016. Getty Images
    Queen Rania, with Crown Prince Hussein, embraces Hama Fashion's traditional prints in a modern silhouette for Jordan's 70th Independence Day on May 25, 2016. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania made a rare appearance in eclectic Valentino prints at the Ein Herz Fuer Kinder Gala on December 3, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
    Queen Rania made a rare appearance in eclectic Valentino prints at the Ein Herz Fuer Kinder Gala on December 3, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania wrapped up in a statement red Givenchy coat and matching heels at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on August 11, 2017 in Camberley, England. Getty Images
    Queen Rania wrapped up in a statement red Givenchy coat and matching heels at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on August 11, 2017 in Camberley, England. Getty Images
  • The royal kept it simple yet super contemporary in a white Givenchy shirt dress at Fashion for Relief on May 21, 2017 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
    The royal kept it simple yet super contemporary in a white Givenchy shirt dress at Fashion for Relief on May 21, 2017 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania wears an embellished pencil skirt with a light knit on November 30, 2017 in Oxfordshire, England. Getty Images
    Queen Rania wears an embellished pencil skirt with a light knit on November 30, 2017 in Oxfordshire, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania wore a dusky blue, high-necked dress for Princess Salma's graduation ceremony on May 22, 2018. Getty Images
    Queen Rania wore a dusky blue, high-necked dress for Princess Salma's graduation ceremony on May 22, 2018. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania turned to a fuchsia midi and heels by Amina Muaddi for a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II and King Abdullah II on January 1, 2019. Getty Images
    Queen Rania turned to a fuchsia midi and heels by Amina Muaddi for a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II and King Abdullah II on January 1, 2019. Getty Images
  • The royal wears relaxed trousers and a loose scarlet Antonio Berardi jacket to tour the Jabal Al-Luweibdeh neighbourhood on April 17, 2019, in Amman. Getty Images
    The royal wears relaxed trousers and a loose scarlet Antonio Berardi jacket to tour the Jabal Al-Luweibdeh neighbourhood on April 17, 2019, in Amman. Getty Images
  • Queen Rania wore relaxed, safari-inspired Michael Kors suiting for a visit to Al-Maghtas in Jordan, where Jesus is believed by Christians to have been baptised, in March 2020. AFP
    Queen Rania wore relaxed, safari-inspired Michael Kors suiting for a visit to Al-Maghtas in Jordan, where Jesus is believed by Christians to have been baptised, in March 2020. AFP
  • Queen Rania, pictured with Queen Sonia and King Harald V of Norway in Amman, on March 2, 2020, chose a clean yet ultra modern Izeta coat for the royals' visit to Jordan. EPA.
    Queen Rania, pictured with Queen Sonia and King Harald V of Norway in Amman, on March 2, 2020, chose a clean yet ultra modern Izeta coat for the royals' visit to Jordan. EPA.
  • Queen Rania, in Michael Kors, visits the baptism site of Al-Maghtas, the baptism site of Jesus Christ, on March 3, 2020. AFP
    Queen Rania, in Michael Kors, visits the baptism site of Al-Maghtas, the baptism site of Jesus Christ, on March 3, 2020. AFP
  • Queen Rania, wearing pink Calvin Klein, during a visit to one of the projects of the Productive Youth Initiative in Amman, Jordan on March 30, 2021. AFP
    Queen Rania, wearing pink Calvin Klein, during a visit to one of the projects of the Productive Youth Initiative in Amman, Jordan on March 30, 2021. AFP
  • Queen Rania, in a red dress by Lebanese label Bazaza, at the White House in Washington, US, on July 19, 2021. Photo: Balkis Press
    Queen Rania, in a red dress by Lebanese label Bazaza, at the White House in Washington, US, on July 19, 2021. Photo: Balkis Press
  • Queen Rania, in a pale green blouse and wool trousers by Chloe, meets Pfizer chief executives in Washington DC with King Abdullah II, on Tuesday, July 20. Photo: Balkis Press
    Queen Rania, in a pale green blouse and wool trousers by Chloe, meets Pfizer chief executives in Washington DC with King Abdullah II, on Tuesday, July 20. Photo: Balkis Press
  • Queen Rania, in white Roksanda, arrives to meet Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi at the Capitol in Washington on July 22, 2021. Photo: Balkis Press
    Queen Rania, in white Roksanda, arrives to meet Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi at the Capitol in Washington on July 22, 2021. Photo: Balkis Press
  • Queen Rania, in a white V-neck Dior midi coat, with a gold Dior belt and Louis Vuitton handbag, visits the Queen Rania Family and Child Centre with Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in Amman, Jordan on November 16, 2021. Reuters
    Queen Rania, in a white V-neck Dior midi coat, with a gold Dior belt and Louis Vuitton handbag, visits the Queen Rania Family and Child Centre with Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in Amman, Jordan on November 16, 2021. Reuters
  • Queen Rania wears a cream and gold abaya for a private dinner at the Al Husseiniya Palace, in Amman, Jordan on November 16, 2021. Reuters
    Queen Rania wears a cream and gold abaya for a private dinner at the Al Husseiniya Palace, in Amman, Jordan on November 16, 2021. Reuters
  • Queen Rania, in a red wool-crepe midi skirt by Emilia Wickstead paired with a white shirt, at the ceremony for the Zayed Award For Human Fraternity on February 26, 2022, at The Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Queen Rania, in a red wool-crepe midi skirt by Emilia Wickstead paired with a white shirt, at the ceremony for the Zayed Award For Human Fraternity on February 26, 2022, at The Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Queen Rania, in a pleated black chiffon dress with a red waist belt, receives the Path to Peace Award in New York along with her husband, on May 9, 2022. AFP
    Queen Rania, in a pleated black chiffon dress with a red waist belt, receives the Path to Peace Award in New York along with her husband, on May 9, 2022. AFP
PSG's line up

GK: Alphonse Areola (youth academy)

Defence - RB: Dani Alves (free transfer); CB: Marquinhos (€31.4 million); CB: Thiago Silva (€42m); LB: Layvin Kurzawa (€23m)

Midfield - Angel di Maria (€47m); Adrien Rabiot (youth academy); Marco Verratti (€12m)

Forwards - Neymar (€222m); Edinson Cavani (€63m); Kylian Mbappe (initial: loan; to buy: €180m)

Total cost: €440.4m (€620.4m if Mbappe makes permanent move)

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m

COMPANY PROFILE

Company name: Blah

Started: 2018

Founder: Aliyah Al Abbar and Hend Al Marri

Based: Dubai

Industry: Technology and talent management

Initial investment: Dh20,000

Investors: Self-funded

Total customers: 40

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

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Bangladesh tour of Pakistan

January 24 – First T20, Lahore

January 25 – Second T20, Lahore

January 27 – Third T20, Lahore

February 7-11 – First Test, Rawalpindi

April 3 – One-off ODI, Karachi

April 5-9 – Second Test, Karachi

Hili 2: Unesco World Heritage site

The site is part of the Hili archaeological park in Al Ain. Excavations there have proved the existence of the earliest known agricultural communities in modern-day UAE. Some date to the Bronze Age but Hili 2 is an Iron Age site. The Iron Age witnessed the development of the falaj, a network of channels that funnelled water from natural springs in the area. Wells allowed settlements to be established, but falaj meant they could grow and thrive. Unesco, the UN's cultural body, awarded Al Ain's sites - including Hili 2 - world heritage status in 2011. Now the most recent dig at the site has revealed even more about the skilled people that lived and worked there.

The biog

Name: Mohammed Imtiaz

From: Gujranwala, Pakistan

Arrived in the UAE: 1976

Favourite clothes to make: Suit

Cost of a hand-made suit: From Dh550

 

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Results

5pm: Warsan Lake – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m; Winner: Dhaw Al Reef, Sam Hitchcott (jockey), Abdallah Al Hammadi (trainer) 

5.30pm: Al Quadra Lake – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Mrouwah Al Gharbia, Sando Paiva, Abubakar Daud 

6pm: Hatta Lake – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: AF Yatroq, George Buckell, Ernst Oertel 

6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Adries de Vries, Ibrahim Aseel 

7pm: Abu Dhabi Championship – Listed (PA) Dh180,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Bahar Muscat, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami 

7.30pm: Zakher Lake – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Alfareeq, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi.  

The Africa Institute 101

Housed on the same site as the original Africa Hall, which first hosted an Arab-African Symposium in 1976, the newly renovated building will be home to a think tank and postgraduate studies hub (it will offer master’s and PhD programmes). The centre will focus on both the historical and contemporary links between Africa and the Gulf, and will serve as a meeting place for conferences, symposia, lectures, film screenings, plays, musical performances and more. In fact, today it is hosting a symposium – 5-plus-1: Rethinking Abstraction that will look at the six decades of Frank Bowling’s career, as well as those of his contemporaries that invested social, cultural and personal meaning into abstraction. 

In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

Liverpool's all-time goalscorers

Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228

RESULTS
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NATIONAL%20SELECTIONS
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First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

Updated: May 24, 2023, 12:32 PM