She conveyed King Abdullah II’s greetings to the guests and praised them as “an example of dedication and service to the nation,” the Petra agency reported.
“Your stances, whether inside or outside Jordan, make us proud,” she said.
The queen said a unique bond between citizens and the military had developed over the years.
“It’s a natural relationship based on trust, love and respect for the military’s motto. Most of our homes have either a military person or someone related to the army or security,” she said.
The queen spoke directly to several of the guests about their lives and families.
“May God protect you as a source of strength for the nation and support for your colleagues in serving this country,” she said
Women leaders and activists from various sectors in Aqaba, a governorate on the Red Sea in southern Jordan, attended the event.
Queen Rania congratulated the attendees on Ramadan and the upcoming International Women’s Day, which will be marked on March 8, the Jordan News Agency reported.
She praised the contributions of Jordanian women in the workforce and the labor market, as well as their roles in caring for their families to provide comfort and reassurance at home.
Khaled Al-Hajjaj, the governor of Aqaba, welcomed the queen to the city and expressed gratitude for her efforts to empower women.
Mahmoud Khalifat, the director general of Aqaba Ports Corporation, and Muhannad Al-Naser, director of Prince Rashid Club, were also present.
The iftar, which is the time when Muslims worldwide break their fast after sunset, was held at the Royal Court, and gathered children from several orphanages affiliated with the Ministry of Social Development.
During the gathering, Queen Rania talked with the orphans and checked on their conditions and needs.
The banquet was attended by the Royal Court chief and secretary-general, as well as the minister for social development.