Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad is a well-known figure in
Qatar and throughout the world. She is the Chairperson of the Qatar Museums
Authority and one of the most powerful women in the art world.
Here are nine facts about her that you should be aware of:
1. Her Early life and Education
Sheikha Al Mayassa was born in 1983, the daughter of Sheikh
Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, and his second wife,
Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. She attended Qatar Academy before attending 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 as at 2023
Sheikha Al Mayassa was appointed Chairperson of the Qatar
Museums Authority in 2006, when she was only 23 years old. She oversaw the
creation of some of Qatar's most prestigious cultural institutions, 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 persons in the world
Sheikha Al Mayassa was ranked 91 on the Forbes Power Women
list in 2014, and she was also included in the Time 100 that year. She was
joined on the list by Angela Merkel of Germany and Hillary Clinton of the
United States.
4. Her involvement in Qatar's bid for the FIFA World Cup
Sheikha Al Mayassa was also instrumental in Qatar's
successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. She was instrumental in
developing the country's bid, which included the construction of several new
sports facilities.
5. Her philanthropic and humanitarian efforts
Sheikha Al Mayassa is well-known for her charitable
contributions. She has founded several charitable foundations and
organizations, including Reach Out To Asia, which works to improve education in
the Middle East, and the Qatar Museums Foundation, which promotes art and
culture in Qatar and around the world.
6. Her overall influence in Qatar's political landscape
Sheikha Al Mayassa wields considerable power in Qatar's
political landscape as a member of the ruling family. She is regarded as one of
the most important advisers to Qatar's current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al
Thani.
7. Her overall personal style
Sheikha Al Mayassa is well-known for her refined and elegant
personal style. She frequently dresses in traditional Qatari attire and is a
fan of luxury fashion brands such as Chanel and Dior. She is also the co-chair
of Fashion Trust Arabia, one of the region's most notable fashion events.
8. Her commitment to preserving Qatar's culture
Despite her international prominence, Sheikha Al Mayassa
remains dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Qatari culture. She was
instrumental in the creation of several initiatives aimed at preserving Qatar's
cultural heritage, such as the Museum of Islamic Art.
9. Her impact on the art world globally
The influence of Sheikha Al Mayassa on the art world cannot
be overstated. She was in charge of acquiring some of history's most valuable
works of art, including Paul Cézanne's The Card Players, which sold for more
than $250 million. Her impact on the industry is expected to last for many
years.
Qatar Museums has an estimated annual spend of $1 billion
under her leadership, making her "the undisputed queen of the art
world," according to Forbes. In addition, the museums group collaborated
with the Prada Foundation on the global competition Curate, which debuted in
May 2013.
Conclusion
Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad is one of the world's most
powerful and influential women. Her role as Chairperson of the Qatar Museums
Authority has given her the opportunity to shape Qatar's cultural landscape,
and her philanthropic efforts and dedication to preserving Qatari culture have
made her a role model for many. Her influence on the art world is undeniable,
and it is likely to last for many years.
