Who is Asma al-Assad? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

British Celebrities Born In August

Also Known As: Asma Akhras

Age: 49 Years, 49 Year Old Females

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Bashar al-Assad (m. 2000)

father: Fawaz Akhras

mother: Sahar Akhras

children: Hafez al-Assad, Karim al-Assad, Zein al-Assad

Born Country: England

First Ladies British Women

Height: 1.7 m

More Facts

education: King's College London

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1

What is Asma al-Assad's educational background?

Asma al-Assad studied computer science at King's College London and worked in the field before becoming the First Lady of Syria.
2

How is Asma al-Assad perceived by the Syrian people?

Opinions on Asma al-Assad among the Syrian population are divided, with some seeing her as a positive force for social change and others criticizing her for her role in the Syrian government.
3

What initiatives has Asma al-Assad been involved in as First Lady of Syria?

Asma al-Assad has been involved in various charitable and social initiatives in Syria, focusing on education, culture, and women's empowerment.
4

What is Asma al-Assad's role in the Syrian government?

Asma al-Assad is the First Lady of Syria and is often involved in public appearances and initiatives alongside her husband, President Bashar al-Assad.
5

What impact has Asma al-Assad had on Syria's diplomatic relations?

Asma al-Assad has played a role in diplomatic efforts to improve Syria's international image, particularly in the realms of culture and humanitarian aid.

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Career before Marriage

After graduating from King's College London in 1996, Asma began serving in the Deutsche Bank Group as an economics analyst. In 1998, she joined J.P. Morgan’s investment banking division where she worked in a group specializing in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

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Service as the First Lady of Syria

In December 2000, Asma Akhras married Bashar al-Assad, the President of Syria, and became Asma al-Assad. As the First Lady of Syria, she travelled throughout Syria to about 100 villages to strategize her future policies. She went on to create numerous organizations under the Syrian Trust for Development, the charity sector of the government. Some of these organizations are SHABAB (business skills for youth), FIRDOS (rural micro-credit), RAWAFED (cultural development), BASMA (helping children with cancer), the Syrian Development Research Centre and the Syrian Organization for the Disabled, to name a few.

Syrian Civil War

A serious blow has been dealt to Asma al-Assad’s public image since the Syrian Civil War intensified in 2012. She was criticized for remaining silent throughout the beginning of the revolt. The First Lady issued her first official statement in the media in February 2012, almost a year after the first serious protests.

In March 2012, the European Union froze her assets and banned her from travelling in the EU. She is still able to travel to the United Kingdom because of her British citizenship despite being banned from entering the rest of the European Union.

Since July 2012, the First Lady had not been seen in public, giving rise to speculations that she had fled the country. However, she made a public appearance on 18 March 2013, at the Damascus Opera House, refuting the rumors. As of November 2016, she continued to update her Instagram handle with pictures of her being engaged in community services.

Personal Life

Asma al-Assad was born as Asma Akhras on 11 August 1975 in London, the United Kingdom to Fawaz Akhras, a cardiologist, and Sahar Otri, a retired diplomat. She studied at Twyford Church of England High School and Queen's College, London. Later, she attended King's College London, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science as well as a diploma in French literature in 1996. The Frist Lady has three children with her husband Bashar al-Assad: Hafez, Zein and Karim.

Facts About Asma al-Assad

Asma al-Assad is fluent in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, French, and Spanish, showcasing her commitment to cultural diversity and communication.

She holds a degree in computer science and worked in the field before becoming the First Lady of Syria, demonstrating her passion for technology and innovation.

Asma al-Assad is known for her philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of healthcare and education, showing her dedication to improving the lives of others.

She has been involved in various conservation efforts, advocating for the preservation of Syria's cultural heritage and natural resources.

Asma al-Assad is a mother of three children and is actively involved in their upbringing, balancing her responsibilities as a parent with her public role.

Asma al-Assad Biography

You wanted to know

What is Asma al-Assad's educational background?

How is Asma al-Assad perceived by the Syrian people?

What initiatives has Asma al-Assad been involved in as First Lady of Syria?

What is Asma al-Assad's role in the Syrian government?

What impact has Asma al-Assad had on Syria's diplomatic relations?