Queen Rania on globalisation, the Arab voice and her parenting style

Queen Rania has called on the Arab world to take a moderate path when it comes to globalisation.

In part two of her interview with Al Arabiya, the Queen weighed in on a question about concerns that openness to the West threatens Arab and Muslim values and culture, saying that globalisation is an inescapable reality.

Related: Queen Rania on democracy

She said that this region can stand at either of two extremes: “complete isolation and a rejection of all that is new just because it is new” on one end, or an “infatuation with western cultures accompanied by unaware, irresponsible and blind imitation” on the other.

She calls on the Arab people to adopt a moderate path "that says I am an Arab and a Muslim and I hold on to and am proud of all the traditions and values that come with that. But, at the same time, I want to be a part of the world around me, to interact with it.”

THE ARAB VOICE

Queen Rania highlighted the urgent need for Arab presence and representation of Arab perspectives on the international arena.

"It is very important that we speak for ourselves, and not leave a vacuum that allows others to speak on our behalf. We have to narrate our story in our own voice so that it can be authentic and representative of us.”

A MOTHER AND QUEEN

For Queen Rania, who has four children, being a mother is the most important role.

"I think that all mothers who are watching us now know that we share an invisible link, and this connection comes from knowing what it means for a mother to love her child and how a mother fears for her children, and how when you have a child, your life is no longer your own but becomes someone else’s," she said.

She opened up about her family life and how her husband, King Abdullah II, and she spend their time with their children. "The dinner table always brings us together," she said, adding "we always have lunch together. His Majesty always enjoys watching TV, like soccer matches and other things with the kids.”

Concluding the interview, Queen Rania explained what being ‘Queen’ meant to her: "It is a big responsibility and a great honor." She added that "like there is Rania the Queen, there is Rania the mother, the daughter, the friend, the wife. And in all these roles, I am no different to any other woman; I share the same fear, the same challenges, and the same concerns."

RECAP: PART 1 OF QUEEN RANIA INTERVIEW