Queen Noor was born Lisa Najeeb Halaby on August 23, 1951, in Washington, DC. She is the daughter of Najeeb Halaby, a government official and aviator who served as the head of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. Her mother, Doris Carlquist, was of Swedish descent. Queen Noor grew up in a privileged and well-connected family, with exposure to different cultures and languages from a young age.
Queen Noor attended Princeton University, where she studied urban planning and architecture. Her time at Princeton broadened her worldview and deepened her interest in social issues and sustainable development. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973 and went on to pursue a master's degree in urban planning and design at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
After completing her studies, Queen Noor worked in various capacities in the field of urban planning and design. In 1977, she took a job with Royal Jordanian Airlines, where she served as the Director of Facilities Planning and Design. It was during this time that she met King Hussein of Jordan at a high-profile social event. The two quickly developed a close friendship, which eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship.
In 1978, Queen Noor married King Hussein of Jordan, becoming his fourth wife. The marriage was a significant event in both their lives, as Queen Noor converted to Islam and took on the name Noor Al-Hussein. She embraced her new role as queen consort with grace and poise, working tirelessly to support her husband and the people of Jordan.
As queen consort, Queen Noor focused her efforts on promoting education, healthcare, and sustainable development in Jordan. She founded the King Hussein Foundation, which works to empower women and children, promote cultural understanding, and protect the environment. In addition to her charitable work, Queen Noor also played a diplomatic role on the international stage, advocating for peace and human rights.
Queen Noor's legacy as queen consort of Jordan is one of compassion, dedication, and grace. She was a devoted wife and mother, a tireless advocate for social causes, and a respected figure on the world stage. Despite facing challenges and criticism throughout her years as queen consort, Queen Noor remained steadfast in her commitment to serving others and making a positive impact on the world.
Queen Noor was married to King Hussein of Jordan until his death in 1999. Together, they had four children: Prince Hamzah, Prince Hashim, Princess Iman, and Princess Raiyah. After King Hussein's passing, Queen Noor continued her philanthropic work and advocacy efforts, focusing on issues such as women's rights, peacebuilding, and environmental conservation.
Queen Noor's contributions to humanitarian causes and her dedication to promoting peace and understanding have left a lasting impact on the world. She remains an influential figure in the realms of philanthropy, diplomacy, and social justice, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and make a difference in their communities and beyond.