His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, yesterday praised His Majesty King Hamad’s Royal Order designating 2026 as the “Year of Isa Al Kabeer”.
The recognition is in celebration of the founder of the modern state and the leader of the modern institutional history of Bahrain, His Highness Isa Al Kabeer, Ruler of Bahrain and its Dependencies.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister affirmed that this initiative reflects His Majesty’s commitment to recognising Bahrain’s historical figures, who have had a lasting impact on the foundations of the kingdom’s history and ongoing development. HRH Prince Salman reflected upon HH Isa Al Kabeer’s legacy, including significant achievements that strengthened Bahrain politically, economically and culturally.
He highlighted that the “Year of Isa Al Kabeer” is a national occasion that promotes the values that His Highness embodied, as well as his contributions to building the institutions of the modern state and that era of stability, growth, and urban and educational development.
HRH Prince Salman expressed his pride and appreciation for this Royal Order, wishing further security, stability and prosperity for Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty.
Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty and Supreme Council for Women (SCW) president commended the Royal Order and said the initiative reflects the highest values of loyalty and pride in the kingdom’s heritage, and honours the distinguished legacy of a leader who established the foundations of administrative, judicial and educational institutions, marking a pivotal period in the shaping of Bahrain’s national identity and civil institutions.
HRH Princess Sabeeka noted that designating this year as “Isa Al Kabeer” conveys a significant educational and national message to future generations, commemorating the values of dedication and service exemplified by the founding leader, and reinforcing the sense of national identity and pride in the kingdom’s continued development under the leadership of His Majesty.
Prime Minister’s Court Minister Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa commended the Royal Order.
He noted that this designation commemorates HH Isa Al Kabeer’s enduring legacy in ensuring stability and establishing a wide range of legal and civil institutions across the kingdom.
He affirmed that this Royal Order reflects His Majesty’s commitment to preserving the kingdom’s history and immortalising the legacy of the figures who contributed to Bahrain’s development by consolidating its foundations and strengthening its stability over the years.
Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa praised the Royal Order.
He highlighted that this Royal Order reflects His Majesty’s commitment to commemorate the memory of the kingdom’s historic figures and embodies the loyalty and appreciation for HH Isa Al Kabeer’s efforts and historical achievements that had a profound impact in consolidating Bahrain’s modern political, economic and cultural position across the region.
Shaikh Mohammed noted that the “Year of Isa Al Kabeer” is an important national occasion to remember the noble values that he embodied, such as loyalty, belonging and giving for the sake of the kingdom, which will serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come.
Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa welcomed the Royal Order designating 2026 as the “Year of Isa Al Kabeer”, describing it as a fitting national tribute to HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, founder of the modern Bahraini state.
Shaikh Khalid said the initiative honours a historic leader remembered for wisdom, justice, and political foresight, whose leadership strengthened stability, unified society, and laid the foundations of Bahrain’s legal and civil institutions, enabling early and far-reaching development.
Adviser to HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa praised the Royal Order and emphasised that the order reflects His Majesty’s respect for Bahrain’s heritage and highlights HH Shaikh Isa Al Kabeer’s key role in building stable institutions and advancing the nation.
Shaikh Ali noted the tribute reinforces national values of loyalty and belonging, and commended ongoing development projects in Muharraq that preserve Bahrain’s historic identity.
Shaikh Ali expressed pride in the initiative and wished Bahrain continued security and prosperity under the leadership of His Majesty.
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa expressed his pride in the King’s Royal Order.
Gen Shaikh Rashid said the Royal initiative reflects His Majesty’s approach to preserving Bahrain’s modern history and national heritage, including the project to revitalise Isa Al Kabeer Palace in Muharraq. He commended the support and oversight of HRH Prince Salman for this project, which forms part of the kingdom’s broader development and modernisation efforts.
Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said the Royal directive reflects His Majesty’s respect for Bahrain’s devoted leaders and acknowledges the lasting impact of HH Isa Al Kabeer’s contributions in establishing the foundations of the modern state, ensuring its stability and growth.
The Finance Minister noted that the “Year of Isa Al Kabeer” is a national occasion that highlights the legacy of the kingdom’s historic figures, inspires values of service and dedication, and reinforces loyalty and national identity.
Several ministers, governors and top government officials and dignitaries also praised the Royal Order.
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