Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
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King Hamad in 2017
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| King of Bahrain | |
| Reign | 14 February 2002 – present |
| Predecessor | Position established Himself (as Emir) |
| Heir apparent | Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa |
| Prime Minister | Khalifa bin Salman Al Al Khalifa Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa |
| Emir of Bahrain | |
| Reign | 6 March 1999 – 14 February 2002 |
| Predecessor | Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa |
| Successor | Position abolished Himself (as King) |
| Prime Minister | Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa |
| Born | 28 January 1950 Riffa, Bahrain |
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| Issue Detail |
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| Arabic | حمد بن عيسى آل خليفة |
| House | Khalifa |
| Father | Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa |
| Mother | Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa |
| Religion | Sunni Islam |
| Styles of The King of Bahrain |
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| Reference style | His Majesty |
| Spoken style | Your Majesty |
Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (Arabic: حمد بن عيسى بن سلمان آل خليفة; born 28 January 1950) is the current King of Bahrain. He became king on 14 February 2002. Before that, he was the Emir of Bahrain from 6 March 1999. His father, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, was the first emir of Bahrain. The Al Khalifa family has ruled Bahrain since 1783.
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Early Life and Education
Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was born on 28 January 1950 in Riffa, Bahrain. His parents were Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa.
After finishing school in Bahrain, Hamad went to England for further studies. He attended Applegarth College and The Leys School. Later, he received military training. He trained with the British Army at Mons Officer Cadet School in England. He graduated in September 1968. In June 1972, he attended the United States Army Command and General Staff College in Kansas. He graduated in June 1973 with a degree in leadership.
Becoming Crown Prince
Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa was named the next ruler by his father on 27 June 1964. In 1968, he became the head of the irrigation council and the Manama municipal council. He joined the Bahrain National Guard on 16 February 1968. He was appointed its commander the same year. He held this role until 1969. Then, he became the commander-in-chief of the Bahrain Defence Force.
In 1970, Hamad led Bahrain's defense department. He also served as the vice-chairman of the administrative council until 1971. From 1971 to 1988, he was the minister of state for defense. In October 1977, Sheikh Hamad began learning to fly helicopters. He finished his training in January 1978. He then helped create the Bahrain Amiri Air Force in 1987.
His Time as Ruler
When his father, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, passed away, Hamad became the Emir of Bahrain on 6 March 1999. As Emir, Hamad introduced several important changes in Bahrain. He released political prisoners and ended certain security laws. Many Bahraini citizens who had been living abroad were allowed to return home.
In 2002, he changed his title from Emir to King. As king, he has many powers. He can appoint the prime minister and other government officials. He also commands the army and leads the highest court. He appoints members of the parliament's upper house.
Challenges and Reforms
After Hamad became ruler in 1999, he worked to bring stability to Bahrain. He focused on improving living standards. Bahrain also became an important financial center. During his rule, there were calls for more fairness in jobs and government roles. The Al Khalifa family holds many important positions in the government.
Protests and Response
In February 2011, protests took place in Bahrain. These protests were part of a larger movement in the Arab world. King Hamad ordered money to be given to families to celebrate an anniversary. He later apologized for the deaths of two protesters. He also asked for an investigation into the incidents.
During the protests in March 2011, King Hamad declared a State of National Safety. This allowed troops from other countries to enter Bahrain to help keep order. He said the troops were there to protect important buildings. In June 2011, Hamad set up a special group to look into the events. This group was called the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry. Its findings were reported in November 2011.
International Relations
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King Hamad has met with leaders from many countries. In August 2020, Bahrain agreed to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel. This was announced on 11 September 2020. On 15 September 2020, Bahrain officially opened relations with Israel. In November 2023, Bahrain recalled its ambassador to Israel. This was during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. In September 2022, King Hamad attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London.
Personal Life
Hamad has four wives and twelve children. He has seven sons and five daughters.
- His first wife is Sheikha Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. They married on 9 October 1968. They have three sons and one daughter:
- Sheikh Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain (born 1969)
- Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (born 1975)
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa (born 1977)
- Sheikha Najla bint Hamad Al Khalifa (born 1981)
- His second wife is Sheikha Sheia bint Hassan Al Khrayyesh Al Ajmi. They have two sons:
- Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa (born 1987)
- Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa (born 1989)
- His third wife is Sheikha Hessa bint Faisal bin Muhammad bin Shuraim Al Marri. They have one son and two daughters:
- Sheikha Munira bint Hamad Al Khalifa (born 1990)
- Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad Al Khalifa (1991–2006), who passed away in a car accident.
- Sheikha Noura bint Hamad Al Khalifa (born 1993)
- His fourth wife is Sheikha Manal bint Jabor Al Naimi. They have one son and two daughters:
- Sheikh Sultan bin Hamad Al Khalifa (born 1997)
- Sheikha Hessa bint Hamad Al Khalifa (born 2000)
- Sheikha Rima bint Hamad Al Khalifa (born 2002)
Honours and Awards
King Hamad has received many awards and honours from different countries around the world. These include special medals and titles from nations like Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Images for kids
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King Hamad meets with President Donald Trump on 21 May 2017
See also
In Spanish: Hamad bin Isa Al Jalifa para niños
- Politics of Bahrain
