Sectarian divide has created a schism in our society that is a major challenge. As monarch of all Bahrainis, it pains me to see many harmed by the actions of a few. And yet I am optimistic and have faith in our people. We all realize that now is the time to strike a balance between stability and gradual reform.

2011)
[France] Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit of France
[Spain] Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic


See also
Politics of Bahrain
List of national leaders
Al Khalifa. still supports". Crown prince
Hamad was designated as heir apparent by his father on 27 June 1964.

Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (Arabic: حمد بن عيسى بن سلمان آل خليفة‎ Ḥamad bin ʿĪsā bin Salmān ʾĀl Ḫalīfah; born 28 January 1950) is the King of Bahrain (since 14 February 2002) having previously been its Emir (from 6 March 1999). The country has been run by the al-Khalifa dynasty since 1783.