2026 has been designated the ‘Year of Isa Al Kabeer’ by His Majesty King Hamad to celebrate the founder of the modern state of Bahrain.
His Highness Isa Al Kabeer, Ruler of Bahrain and its Dependencies from 1869 to 1932, led an institutional renaissance in the country and implemented reforms that have shaped the island’s modern history.
This year, Bahrain will commemorate the legacy of the great leader and his significant national role, including the consolidation of stability, the establishment of legal and civil institutions and the nation’s prosperity across various domains.
In honour of the late Ruler (Hakim), the GDN is sharing some of the key events and decisions that HH Shaikh Isa Al Kabeer oversaw during his 63-year-long rule, one of the longest in the region’s history.
Born in 1848, HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa was the Ruler (Hakim) of Bahrain from 1869 until his death on December 9, 1932.
He signed several treaties with the British, helping establish a stable government, and implemented many administrative reforms.
Surrounded by powerful empires, he deftly handled statecraft and commanded the respect and affection of his subjects and neighbours.
In a tribute, Saudi Arabia’s founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud once said: “Shaikh Isa was the father of not only the Gulf, but also of the whole of Arabia. We Arabs, especially we and our House, looked upon him with greatest respect.”
Beginning his rule as the Chief of Bahrain in 1869, his title was altered to Ruler (Hakim) in October 1888.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))