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Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa حمد بن عيسى آل خليفة
King of Bahrain
Reign	6 March 1999 – present
Coronation	14 February 2002
Predecessor	Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa
Heir apparent	Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
Prime Ministers	Khalifa ibn Salman Al Khalifa
Spouse	Sabika bint Ibrahim (1968–present) Sheia bint Hassan Al-Khrayyesh Al-Ajmi 2 others
Detail Issue
Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa Najla bint Hamad Al Khalifa Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Faisal ibn Hamad Al Khalifa Sultan bin Hamad Al Khalifa Hessa bint Hamad Al Khalifa Nura bint Hamad Al Khalifa Munira bint Hamad Al Khalifa Reema bint Hamad Al Khalifa
House	Al-Khalifa
Father	Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa
Mother	Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa
Born	(1950-01-28) 28 January 1950 (age 62)[1] Riffa, Bahrain
Religion	Sunni Islam

Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (Arabic: حمد بن عيسى بن سلمان آل خليفة‎; born 28 January 1950) is the King of Bahrain (since 14 February 2002), having previously been its Emir (from 6 March 1999).^[2] He is the son of Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the previous Emir.

Early life and education[link]

Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was born on 28 January 1950 in Riffa, Bahrain. His parents were Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa who in 1950 was the Crown Prince and Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa. After attending Manama Secondary School in Bahrain, Hamad was sent to England to complete the remainder of his education. He attended Applegarth College in Godalming, Surrey before taking a place at The Leys School in Cambridge. Hamad then underwent military training, first with the British Army at Mons Officer Cadet School at Aldershot in Hampshire, graduating in September 1968.^[1] Four years later in June 1972 Hamad attended the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas, graduating the following June with a degree in leadership.^[3][4]

Crown prince[link]

King Hamad was designated as heir apparent by his father on 27 June 1964. In 1968 King Hamad was appointed as the Chairman of the Irrigation Council and Manama Municipal Council. He was commissioned into the Bahrain National Guard on 16 February 1968 and appointed as its commander the same year, remaining in that post until 1969 when he was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force. In 1970 King Hamad became the head of the Bahraini Department of Defence and the Vice-Chairman of the Administrative Council, remaining in both offices until 1971. From 1971 to 1988 he was the Minister of State for Defence.^[4]

In October 1977, King Hamad started learning to fly helicopters, successfully completing the training in January 1978. He then worked to establish the Bahrain Amiri Air Force^[3] which came into being in 1987 when the Defence Force air wing was reconstituted as an air force.

Reign[link]

King Hamad with Donald H. Rumsfeld

On the death of his father Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Hamad became Emir of Bahrain on 6 March 1999.^[2] As Emir, Hamad brought several political reforms to Bahrain. These included the release of all political prisoners, the dissolution of the State Security Court and the abolition of the 1974 Decree on State Security Measures. Additionally, many Bahraini citizens were permitted to return after several years in exile overseas.^[5] In 2002 he declared himself king.

Political turmoil[link]

After HM King Hamad took power in 1999, he focused on attaining stability in a nation riddled with profound tensions after the 1990s uprising. The King succeeded in improving the living standards and in making Bahrain a financial hub. During the period 2003-2010 majority Shi'ite community accused his government of corruption, discrimination in housing and jobs, recruiting foreigners in military service and bringing Sunni tribes from Asia to change the demographic composition of the nation. This led to some minor disturbances by the Shia'a community against His Majesty's Government.

During HM King Hamad current years of reign, Shi'ite majority community took some positions in the government, But they called for improving the entire political system and equitable distribution of positions and jobs. Al Khalifa family led a large number of ministerial and Governmental posts including Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of foreign affairs, general organization for youth and sport, Bahrain Economic development board and Supreme council for women. Also, Positions of power in Bahrain Defence Force in the country were filled with Sunnis, a minority that made around 30% of the population. Information affairs authority had been separated from the Ministry of information and led by a member of Al Khalifa family too. Opposition claimed that this is a Nepotism which marginalizing the people. HM King Hamad stated that he is giving an equal chance to all Bahrain people regardless their sect.

In October 2010, HM's Government accused 24 Bahraini citizens mostly Shi'ite Muslim in forming terrorist cell linked to Iran and Trained in Syria for overthrowing the regime and planning for terrorist attacks. Opposition Parties denounced the accusations and described it as propaganda. After just few weeks, tension raised again after controversial Bahraini parliamentary election, 2010 when The main Opposition bloc Al Wefaq National Islamic Society with Secularist National Democratic Action Society ( Waad ) accused the government for unfair election system that aims to reduce the number of Shiite’s and Secularists chairs in the parliament, although the first party won nearly 40% of the available seats, and the United States regarded the elections as free and fair^[6].

Bahrain uprising[link]

On 14 February 2011, the tenth anniversary of a referendum in favour of the National Action Charter, and ninth anniversary of writing Constitution of 2002, Bahrain was rocked by protests inspired by the Arab spring and coordinated by a Facebook page named "Day of Rage in Bahrain", a page that was liked by tens of thousands just one week after its creation. The Bahrain government responded with what has been described as a "brutal" crackdown^[7][8][9] on the protests, including violations of human rights that caused anger. Later on, demonstrators demanded Hamad to step down.^[10] As a result of this "massive" crackdown, The Foreign Policy classified him as rank 3 out of 8 of "America's Unsavory Allies" calling him "one of the bad guys the U.S. still supports".^[11]

On 11 February, King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa ordered that 1,000 Bahraini dinars (approximately US$2,667) be given to "each family" to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the National Action Charter referendum. Agence France-Presse linked the BD1,000 payments to the 14 February demonstration plans.^[12].

On 15 February 2011, king Hamad apologized for the deaths of two demonstrators on a rare TV speech and urged to investigate the incident.^[13]. after One day, Four protesters were killed and Hundreds wounded when protesters were attacked in Pearl Square at 3:00 A.M local time. The Pearl Square was evacuated and encircled by the Bahraini army. One day later, HM King Hamad ordered the withdrawal of army troops from there after mediation of the Crown price after the killing of Fifth protester by live ammunition next to Pearl square. Later on, HM King Hamad Shows restraint while demonstration against him continue for several weeks.^[14].

During the peak of the 2011–2012 Bahraini uprising on the mid of March 2011 HM King Hamad declared three months State of emergency just after he called Peninsula Shield Force troops to enter Bahrain. Saudi Arabia deployed about 1,000 troops with armored support, and the United Arab Emirates deployed about 500 police officers. Opposition parties reacted strongly, calling it an "occupation". But HM King Hamad stated that he deployed the troops to protect infrastructure and to secure key installations. After this step taken by HM King Hamad, Bahrain economy suffered losses estimated at billions. Also, security situation deteriorated in areas that people were demonstrating against him. While dozens of deaths were announced including five whom died in custody due to torture.

On 1 June 2011, protests erupted across Shia-dominated areas of Bahrain to demand HM King Hamad to step down and to end martial law as HM King Hamad announced that state of emergency was officially lifted.

In June 2011 King Hamad commissioned the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry headed by respected human rights lawyer M. Cherif Bassiouni to look into the events surrounding the unrest. The establishment of the BICI was praised by Barack Obama and the international community^[15][16] as a step towards establishing responsibility and accountability for the events of the 2011-2012 Bahraini uprising. The BICI reported its findings in November 2011 and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton “commend[ed] King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa’s initiative in commissioning it”.^[17]

Prince William wedding decline[link]

King Hamad was invited to the royal wedding of Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton. He declined amidst protests by human rights activists who had pledged to disrupt his stay in Britain because of his violent response to demonstrators.^[18] Earlier in 2005, he was the only sovereign head of state to attend the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla Parker Bowles.

Family[link]

King Hamad has four wives and in total twelve children, seven sons and five daughters:

• He married his first wife, Queen Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, at Rifa’a on 9 October 1968. Together they have three sons and one daughter:
  • HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain (born 21 October 1969)
  • HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa (born 30 June 1975)
  • HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa (born 4 June 1977)
  • HH Sheikha Najla bint Hamad Al Khalifa (born 20 May 1981)
• His second wife, Sheikha Sheia bint Hassan Al-Khrayyesh Al-Ajmi, is a lady from Kuwait. Together they have two sons:
  • HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa (born 8 May 1987)
  • HH Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa (born 23 September 1989)

• His third wife, a lady from Qatar, with whom he has two sons and four daughters:
  • HH Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad Al Khalifa (12 February 1992 – 12 January 2006), died in a fatal car accident
  • HH Sheikh Sultan bin Hamad Al Khalifa
  • HH Sheikha Hessa bint Hamad Al Khalifa
  • HH Sheikha Nura bint Hamad Al Khalifa
  • HH Sheikha Munira bint Hamad Al Khalifa
  • HH Sheikha Reema bint Hamad Al Khalifa
• He also has fourth wife, a lady from Qatar and they have 2 daughters and 1 son and they are:
  • Hussa bint Hamad Al Khalifa
  • Sultan bin Hamad Al Khalifa
  • Reema bint Hamad Al Khalifa

Titles and styles[link]

Monarchical styles of The King of Bahrain
Reference style	His Majesty
Spoken style	Your Majesty
Alternative style	Sheikh

• 28 January 1950 – 16 December 1961: Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
• 16 December 1961 – 27 June 1964: His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
• 27 June 1964 – 6 March 1999: His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Heir Apparent of Bahrain
• 6 March 1999 – 14 February 2002: His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Emir of Bahrain
• 14 February 2002 – present: His Majesty Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain^[2]

Honours and awards[link]

Hamad has received numerous honours, for example:

• Grand Cordon of the Order of the Star of Jordan (1 February 1967)^[4]
• Order of the Two Rivers, 1st class (Iraq, 22 February 1969)^[4]
• Order of Muhammad (Morocco, 16 October 1970)^[4]
• Grand Cordon of the Order of the Renaissance (Jordan, 1 September 1972)^[4]
• Collar of the Order of the Republic of Egypt (24 January 1973)^[4]
• Collar of the Order of the Crown (Iran, 28 April 1973)^[4]
• Collar of Abdulaziz al Saud (Saudi Arabia, 4 April 1976)^[4]
• Star of the Republic of Indonesia, 1st class (8 October 1977)^[4]
• Order of the Republic of Mauritania, 1st class (4 April 1978)^[4]
• Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (UK, 15 February 1979)^[4]
• Grand Conqueror of Libya, 1st class (1 September 1979)^[4]
• Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (2006)

See also[link]

• Politics of Bahrain
• List of national leaders
• Al Khalifa

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifah

• The Monarchy – official website of the Bahrain Embassy
• The New Amir of Bahrain: Marching Sideways, Abdulhadi Khalaf, Civil Society, Volume 9, Issue 100, April 2000
• The King’s Dilemma: Obstacles to Political Reforms In BahrainPDF (227 KB), Abdulhadi Khalaf, Fourth Mediterranean Social and Political Research Meeting, European University Institute, March 2003
• Generational change and elite-driven reforms in the Kingdom of Bahrain. (Sir William Luce Fellowship Paper No. 7) Dr. Steven Wright (2006) Institute for Middle East and Islamic Studies, University of Durham, (PDF Format)
• Bahrian: The Royals rule, Le Monde Diplomatique, March 2005
• An Arab exception: Reform in Bahrain The Economist, 29 July 2004 (requires subscription)
• Genealogy of the Al-Khalifa Dynasty, Page 10 – website The Royal Ark

v t e 2011–2012 Bahraini uprising Part of the Arab Spring Timeline Feb-Mar 2011, Apr-Jun 2011, Jul-Dec 2011, Jan 2012-onward Events Bloody Thursday 2012 Grand Prix protests Health worker trials Opposition groups Islamist Al Wefaq National Islamic Society Bahrain Freedom Movement Islamic Action Society Secular Haq Movement National Democratic Action Society Nationalist Democratic Rally Society Progressive Democratic Tribune Youth February 14 Youth Coalition Shabeeba Society of Bahrain People Activists Abdulhadi al-Khawaja Ali Abdulemam Ali al-Ghanmi Ayat Al-Qurmezi Fadhila Mubarak Lamees Dhaif Maryam al-Khawaja Mohammed Albuflasa Mohammed al-Maskati Mohammed al-Tajer Mahmood Al-Yousif Naser al-Raas Naji Fateel Nabeel Rajab Zainab al-Khawaja Opposition Abdulwahab Hussain Ali Salman Hasan Mushaima Munira Fakhro Ibrahim Sharif Saeed Shahabi Sheikh Isa Qassim Government Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (King) Khalifa ibn Salman Al Khalifa (Prime Minister) Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa (Crown Prince) Khalid ibn Ahmad Al Khalifah (Foreign minister) Impact International reactions Torture Casualties Ali Abdulhadi Mushaima Fadhel Al-Matrook Zakariya Rashid Hassan al-Ashiri Ahmed Jaber al-Qattan Ali Jawad al-Sheikh Human Rights reports Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (International figures appointed by King) Human Price of Freedom and Justice (Local NGOs) Background Bandargate scandal 1990s uprising in Bahrain Human rights in Bahrain Torture in Bahrain Corruption in Bahrain Manama incident Other Qorvis Pearl Roundabout Bahrain: Shouting in the Dark  Category •  Commons

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Al Khalifa

Country	Bahrain
Ancestral house	`Anizzah → Bani Utbah
Titles	King of Bahrain
Founder	Khalifa bin Mohammed[1]
Current head	Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
Founding	1766[2]

The Al Khalifa family (Arabic: آل خليفة‎ / ALA-LC: Āl Khalīfah / English: The house of Khalifa) is the ruling royal family of Bahrain. The Al Khalifa profess Sunni Islam and belong to the Anizah tribe that migrated from Najd to Kuwait in the early 18th century. They are also from the Utub tribe. The current head of the family is Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who became the Emir of Bahrain in 1999 and proclaimed himself King of Bahrain in 2002.

As of 2010, roughly half of the serving cabinet ministers of Bahrain have been selected from the Al Khalifa royal family,^[3] while the country's only Prime Minister, Khalifah bin Salman al-Khalifah, (serving since independence in 1971) is also from the Al Khalifa family and is the uncle of the current King.

List of monarchs of Bahrain of the Al Khalifa family[link]

Ruling Family Council[link]

Decisions pertaining to the Al Khalifa family, as well as disputes between family members are arbitrated by the Ruling Family Council (Arabic: مجلس العائلة الحاكمة‎).^[4][5][6] The council attends to internal family disputes particularly those related to appropriation of land, sale of real estate and other properties. Members of the ruling family are not allowed to refer these or other disputes to ordinary law courts.^[4]

Relations between the political leadership and the rest of the "rank and file" members of the Al Khalifa ruling family have been formally managed by the council since 1932. However, on the eve of the 1973 parliamentary elections, the then Amir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa issued a decree restructuring the Ruling Family Council to become a formal organ of the state, and giving the administrative head of the council the rank of minister.^[4]

The Ruling Family Council is currently chaired by King Hamad,^[7] its Deputy Chairman is Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa,^[8] and the Director General is Ibrahim bin Khalid bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.^[9]

The King appoints the members of the board of the Ruling Family Council as recognised representatives of various kinship lines and factional alliances within the Al Khalifa family.^[4]

Members of the Ruling Family Council since 1974[link]