The Bio
Claim to Fame: Former banker, raised in Kuwait, married to King Abdullah II of Jordan, four children ages 14, 11, 7, and 3.
Chairs: Jordan River Foundation, supporting small businesses, from women reviving weaving skills to men learning management at bee-keeping projects.
Launched: Arab Sustainability Leadership Group, which promotes equal opportunity—jobs—for all.
Believes: Women are crucial to progress in societies all over the world.
Current Obsessions: Empowering Arab women; helping Middle Eastern children in areas of conflict.

Travel Log
First Big Trip: Jerusalem—the cobbled streets, the vaulted ceilings, the sheer sacredness and sanctity of the city. It's a small place, yet so large in its symbolism.
Next Trip: The American West Coast. We'll be in the great outdoors. My eldest son is keen to get me white-water rafting—we'll see about that! It will be great to be amid stunning scenery and to have those big portions of pancakes for breakfast.
Favorite Trip: Anywhere I can be anonymous. In London, my family and I can just be ourselves: meander through parks eating ice cream, browse the galleries, ride bikes and feed ducks, see shows. I come home so tired I need a holiday!

CNT: What is Jordan's place on today's global stage?

Queen Rania: Jordan has a unique role in our troubled world. We have always enjoyed good relationships with a variety of nations with diverse viewpoints. It is part of our historical heritage. My husband and I are doing our best to ensure that Jordan remains a bridge for international and inter-religious dialogue. I believe that more than ever, dialogue and mutual respect are the key elements in our shared future. It is so important that we learn not to categorize or stereotype regions, religions, or nations. After traveling around our country, visitors will appreciate just how similar Arab and Islamic people are to the rest of the world.

CNT: Why is Jordan so tolerant?

Queen Rania: Jordan has its roots and its future in the Arab and Islamic world. Our traditions give us stability; our faith gives us models for behaving with respect and integrity. This is not a limiting vision. Jordan's stability gives us the strength to reach out, with respect, to all other nations.

CNT: What are Jordan's qualities as a destination?

Queen Rania: We have something for everyone. Kids can enjoy water parks and a fabulous new children's museum—my youngest, Hashem, is quite a regular! Ladies can relax in the region's biggest spa by the shores of the Red Sea. Adventurers can paraglide off sandstone desert crags or camp under the stars with new bedouin friends. History buffs can visit Roman ruins, explore desert castles from the Ummayad times, and wander the city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But it's the people and the hospitality that make Jordan such a safe and welcoming country. Friends have told me of bedouins offering them hot, sweet herb tea while walking in the Dana Nature Reserve; or of being lost in Wadi Rum, showing up at a stranger's home to ask for directions, and being invited in to share a meal before being driven to where they want to go.