King of Bahrain facts for kids

Quick facts for kids King of the Kingdom of Bahrain
ملك مملكة البحرين Malik Mamlakat al-Baḥrayn
Royal Standard of Bahrain
Incumbent
Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa since 6 March 1999 as Emir since 14 February 2002 as King
Details
Style	His Majesty
Heir apparent	Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
First monarch	Ahmed bin Muhammad bin Khalifa (Hakim) Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah (King)
Formation	1783 (Hakimmiyah) 16 August 1971 (Emirate) 14 February 2002 (Kingdom)
Residence	Riffa Palace

The King of Bahrain is the main leader and head of state of the Kingdom of Bahrain. This means the King is the highest authority in the country. The House of Khalifa family has been in charge of Bahrain since 1783.

Before becoming a kingdom, Bahrain had different types of rulers. From 1783 to 1971, the ruler was called a hakim. Then, from 1971 to 2002, the ruler was known as an emir.

On February 14, 2002, the ruler at the time, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, announced that Bahrain was now a kingdom. He then became the first King of Bahrain.

The King has many important jobs and powers. He chooses the prime minister and the government's cabinet. He is also the top commander of the Defence Force. The King leads the country's highest court, called the Higher Judicial Council. He also picks members for the upper house of parliament and can close down the elected lower house.

Bahrain's Rulers Through History

This section lists the different leaders who have ruled Bahrain over the years. They held different titles depending on the time period.

Hakims of Bahrain (1783–1971)

The word Hakim means "Caretaker" or "Ruler" in Arabic. These rulers also had the special title of sheikh.

Portrait	Name (Born–Died)	Time in Charge	Important Notes
	Sheikh Ahmed bin Muhammad bin Khalifa	1783 – July 18, 1795	He led the group that took control of Bahrain.
	Sheikh Salman bin Ahmad Al Khalifa	1795–1825	He ruled alongside another leader.
	Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Khalifa	1795–1843	He also ruled alongside another leader.
	Sheikh Khalifa bin Sulman Al Khalifa	1825–1834	He ruled with Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Khalifa.
	Sheikh Muhammad bin Khalifa Al Khalifa	1834–1842	This was his first time ruling, with Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Khalifa.
	Sheikh Muhammad bin Khalifa Al Khalifa	1843–1868	This was his second time ruling.
	Sheikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa	1868–1869
	Sheikh Muhammad bin Khalifa Al Khalifa	1869	This was his third time ruling.
	Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa	September – December 1, 1869	He was removed from power and sent to India. He died there in 1877.
	Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa (1848–1932)	December 1, 1869 – May 26, 1923	He gave up his position.
	Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (1872–1942)	May 27, 1923 – February 20, 1942
	Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa (1894–1961)	February 20, 1942 – November 2, 1961
	Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (1931–1999)	November 2, 1961 – August 16, 1971

Emirs of Bahrain (1971–2002)

The title Emir means "Chief of the State of Bahrain" in Arabic. Emirs also held the special title of sheikh.

Name	Lifespan	Reign start	Reign end	Notes	Family	Image
Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa عيسى بن سلمان آل خليفة	(1931-06-03)3 June 1931 – 6 March 1999(1999-03-06) (aged 67)	16 August 1971	6 March 1999	Son of Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Mouza bint Hamad Al Khalifa	Khalifa
Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa حمد بن عيسى آل خليفة	(1950-01-28) 28 January 1950 (age 75)	6 March 1999	14 February 2002 (title changed)	Son of Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa	Khalifa

King of Bahrain (2002–Present)

The title King means "King of Bahrain" in Arabic. The King also holds the special title of sheikh.

Name	Lifespan	Reign start	Reign end	Notes	Family	Image
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa حمد بن عيسى آل خليفة	(1950-01-28) 28 January 1950 (age 75)	14 February 2002	Incumbent	Son of Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa	Khalifa

More to Explore

In Spanish: Anexo:Monarcas de Baréin para niños

• House of Khalifa
• Succession to the Bahraini throne
• Prime Minister of Bahrain