Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad Al Thani received the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit, bestowed by H.E. President Andrzej Duda. She received the honour in recognition of her efforts to foster economic bridges between Qatar and Poland during her tenure as Deputy CEO of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).
The Officer’s Cross is one of Poland’s highest distinctions, presented to foreigners and Polish citizens residing abroad for outstanding contributions to international cooperation and the strengthening of ties between Poland and other nations.
Reflecting on the honour, Sheikha Alanoud shared: “This recognition is a reminder that impactful work transcends roles and titles and that diplomacy, at its best, builds bridges that endure.”
She added, “I carry the lessons and relationships from that time into my current diplomatic role — continuing to serve Qatar’s interests with the same commitment.”
After seven years at the Qatar Financial Centre, where Sheikha Alanoud rose through the ranks to become Deputy CEO, the youngest and the first woman to hold the role, she made the bold decision to step down. But not to slow down…
Instead, she chose to serve her country on the global stage, embracing a new chapter in foreign affairs. Today, she serves as Counsellor for Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Qatar in London, bringing with her not only economic expertise but a deeply rooted commitment to her country’s global vision.
In addition to her public service, she chairs TenX Ventures and oversees a number of family-owned businesses, reflecting her continued influence in the private sector.
Before joining QFC in 2016, Sheikha Alanoud served as Qatar Country Representative and Director at Silatech, a Qatar-based social initiative dedicated to connecting young people across the Arab region with employment opportunities.
She is a distinguished alumna of the London School of Economics (LSE), the University of Oxford, the Harvard Kennedy School, and HEC Paris.
Her leadership has not gone unnoticed. In March 2021, she was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. At the time, HH Sheikha Moza, a prominent Qatari figure, took to her Instagram to congratulate her on the recognition. In 2023, her influence in the business world was further affirmed when Forbes included her among the 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen.
Whether leading at the Qatar Financial Centre or serving on the diplomatic stage, Sheikha Alanoud Al Thani has remained driven by a singular purpose: to serve her country on the global stage and build lasting bridges between Qatar and the world.
