Definition
Moza bint Nasser (Arabic: موزة بنت ناصر, born 8 August 1959) is a Qatari philanthropist, education activist, and member of the Qatari royal family. She is the wife of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Emir of Qatar, and the mother of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current Emir.
Overview
Born in Doha, Qatar, Moza bint Nasser earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Qatar University and later completed a master's degree in public policy at the London School of Economics. She became a prominent public figure in Qatar after her marriage to Sheikh Hamad in 1977. During her husband's reign (1995–2013), she played an influential role in shaping Qatar’s cultural, educational, and humanitarian initiatives.
Moza is best known for her leadership of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), which she co‑founded in 1995. Under her guidance, QF has established numerous universities, research centers, and schools in Qatar and abroad, including Education City. She also founded the “Education Above All” (EAA) foundation in 2013, aimed at improving access to quality education in conflict‑affected regions. Additionally, she has chaired the “Silatech” initiative, which focuses on youth employment across the Arab world, and has served on the boards of various international organizations, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Economic Forum.
Moza bint Nasser is recognized internationally for her advocacy of women’s empowerment, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. She has received multiple honorary degrees and awards, including the UNESCO‑UNESCO World Literacy Award (2005) and the Global Citizenship Award from the World Economic Forum (2011).
Etymology/Origin
The name follows traditional Arabic naming conventions. “Moza” (موزة) is a feminine given name of Arabic origin, often interpreted to mean “the one who is gentle” or “the one who is blessed.” “bint” (بنت) means “daughter of,” and “Nasser” (ناصر) is a masculine name meaning “helper” or “supporter.” Thus, “Moza bint Nasser” literally translates to “Moza, daughter of Nasser.”
Characteristics
- Philanthropy and Education: Founder and chairperson of Qatar Foundation; initiator of Education Above All; promoter of scholarships, research, and school construction worldwide.
- International Engagement: Member of global advisory councils, including the UNDP’s Advisory Board on Development and the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Education.
- Cultural Advocacy: Patron of the Doha Film Institute, the Museum of Islamic Art, and various cultural festivals that aim to promote Qatari heritage and contemporary Arab arts.
- Women's Empowerment: Supports programs that enhance female participation in education, entrepreneurship, and public life across the Middle East.
- Public Persona: Frequently appears at international conferences, diplomatic events, and cultural ceremonies, representing Qatar’s soft‑power initiatives.
Related Topics
- Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development
- Education Above All (EAA)
- Silatech
- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (former Emir of Qatar)
- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (current Emir of Qatar)
- Doha, Qatar
- Education City, Qatar
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- World Economic Forum (WEF)
All information presented is based on publicly available, verifiable sources.