Born Lisa Najeeb Halaby in 1951, Queen Noor of Jordan transitioned from a career in architectural design to a central role in the Jordanian monarchy after marrying King Hussein in 1978. Serving as queen consort until 1999, she subsequently focused on international philanthropy, activism, and leadership roles within global educational and environmental organizations.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Washington, D.C., as the eldest child of Najeeb Halaby and Doris Carlquist, she attended the National Cathedral School and the Chapin School before graduating from Concord Academy. She matriculated at Princeton University as part of its inaugural coeducational freshman class, earning an A.B. in architecture and urban planning in 1974. Her academic tenure included authoring a senior thesis titled 96th Street and Second Avenue.
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Before her marriage, she pursued an architectural career, working in Australia on new town planning. In 1975, she joined Llewelyn Davies to assist with a model capital city project in Tehran. She later relocated to Amman, where she held a position in aviation facility research and eventually served as Director of Facilities Planning and Design for Alia Airlines.
Royal Tenure and Philanthropy
Following her 1978 marriage to King Hussein, she became Queen of Jordan and assumed management of the royal household. In 1979, she established the King Hussein Foundation, which oversees various development institutions, including the National Music Conservatory and the Institute for Family Health. She also initiated the International Arab Youth Congress in 1980.
International Advocacy
Her post-royal career involves extensive engagement in human security and environmental conservation. She serves as president of the United World Colleges movement and advocates for the Global Zero anti-nuclear campaign. Her environmental work includes roles as Patron of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and as an Ocean Elder. In 2015, she received the Woodrow Wilson Award from Princeton University.
Fast facts
- Born: 1951, Washington, D.C.
- Education: Princeton University
- Marriage: King Hussein, June 15, 1978
- Positions held: Queen Consort of Jordan (1978-1999)
- Religion: Islam
- Citizenship: United States and Jordan
Questions readers ask
What was Queen Noor's professional background before becoming queen?
She was an architect and urban planner who worked for firms in Australia, Iran, and for Alia Airlines in Jordan.
What is the primary focus of the King Hussein Foundation?
The foundation, established in 1979, oversees development institutions ranging from microfinance companies to the National Center for Culture and Arts.
Achievements
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- Knight of the Order of the Elephant — 1998
- Educated at Princeton University
- Worked as writer, autobiographer and architect
