Head of State of Bahrain: King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

The head of state of the Kingdom of Bahrain is King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He has ruled since March 6, 1999, succeeding his father, Emir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

Title Evolution

• 1999–2002: Emir of Bahrain
• 2002–present: King of Bahrain (constitutional monarchy declared)

Role

• Appoints Prime Minister (currently Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa) and Cabinet.
• Commander-in-Chief of Bahrain Defence Force.
• Ratifies laws, treaties; dissolves parliament.
• Chairs Higher Judicial Council.

Dynasty

Al Khalifa family has ruled since 1783 (conquest from Zubarah, Qatar). Bahrain became a British protectorate (1861), independent (1971), and a kingdom (2002).