Remembering HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa

Angela November 12, 2020

5 minutes read

The Kingdom of Bahrain mourns the passing of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who was one of the longest serving prime ministers in the world. Today, we are honouring his memory, legacy and significant developmental achievements to the island.

In the late 1950’s and the outset of the sixties, late HRH the Prime Minister took up many key posts like presidency of the Education Council, chairmanship of the Monetary Council and the Administrative Council and more. His assumption of a wide range of responsibilities played an essential role in establishing the nucleus of the state’s government body, launching the development march and laying a solid foundation for Bahrain’s economic growth.

Prince Khalifa has served as the Prime Minister of Bahrain since 1970, taking office over a year before Bahrain’s independence on August 15, 1971. During the early years of his service as a prime minister, Bahrain saw a rapid development especially when the Kingdom sought to move beyond its dependence on oil. He worked on improving the living conditions of citizens and developing various economic sectors. He was one of the leading figures in making Bahrain a financial, service and tourism hub.

Prince Khalifa was not only a good politician but also a charismatic person. According to our sources, he enjoyed going on walks regularly as it gave him the opportunity to meditate and ponder on the issues that concern him. He had an affinity for agriculture, horticulture and was interested in birds and wildlife. He was also interested in ancient artifacts such as weapons and cars. However, the hobby that Prince Khalifa loved was drawing and photography.

Artwork by Kathrina Ragadi (5ft x 6ft Handmade Crowns on Canvas)

Over the years, HRH has received many accolades and awards. In 2009, he was given the Visionary Award 2009 of the Union of Arab Banks. The next year he received the Millennium Development Goals Award from the United Nations. In 2016, he became the first Arab Prime Minister to be honored by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for being among the leaders who strongly supported the use of ICT in achieving sustainable development goals.

Moreover, Prince Khalifa was the first Arab Prime Minister to receive the following awards: The Flame of Peace Award from the Association for the Furtherance of Peace, Austria as well as The Arab League Shield for Leadership in Arab Development.

In 2017, a new city in Bahrain was named after the Prime Minister. “Khalifa Town” was named after him in recognition of his landmark achievements and valuable contributions to the nation. The “Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Award for Sustainable Development” was also launched to honor his success in improving the path for development in Bahrain.

Prince Khalifa’s contributions to the Kingdom will always be remembered and he will remain an inspiration for all the years to come.

Our friends and partners share their condolences:

“Nothing is more difficult than losing a loved one and there are no words that can express our sorrow for his loss. The National Bank of Bahrain’s Chairman, Board of Directors, Executive Management Members and all employees send their deepest condolences on the demise of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. May his soul rest in peace.”
National Bank of Bahrain

“His vision towards placing the Kingdom of Bahrain on the global map was due to his foresight of achieving tremendous initiatives and cooperations.”
Majid Al Futtaim

“We mourn the loss of an incomparable visionary, instrumental to both the nation’s development and exposure.” Dadabhai Travel

“Batelco extends its deepest condolences to the Royal Family and people of Bahrain on the sad demise of HRH Prince Khalifa Al Khalifa. May his soul rest in eternal peace.” Batelco

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a visionary leader – HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman al Khalifa.”
Kalaam Telecom

“Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa extends its deepest condolences to the royal family and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Honorable Prime Minister of Bahrain.”
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

“We remember HRH as a wonderful leader and for his unparalleled contributions to The Kingdom of Bahrain.”
Royal Golf Club

“Heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa.”
Al Areen Palace & Spa by Accor

“Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay’s management and team extend their heartfelt condolences to the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain.”
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

“With hearts full of sorrow, the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain offer their deepest condolences and most sincere sympathies to the Royal Family and the Bahraini people, on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. He remains forever in our hearts, and may he rest in eternal peace.”
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

“Elite Hospitality Group extends its deepest condolences to the Royal family of Bahrain. His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa was an inspirational and visionary leader who strived for peace and prosperity.”
Elite Hospitality Group

“InterContinental Regency extends its deepest condolences to the royal family and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa. We honor his legacy and mourn his loss alongside the people of Bahrain.” InterContinental Regency Bahrain

“The Al Qaed Family & management team of Wyndham Grand Manama extends its sincere condolences to the Royal family and the people of Bahrain for the loss of H.R.H Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, a visionary leader.” Wyndham Grand Manama

Our team at The Westin and Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain sends our sincere condolences on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa.
The Westin and Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain

“Rotana Hotels in Bahrain mourns His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. May God rest his soul.”
Rotana Hotels

Movenpick Hotel Bahrain team would like to extend their deepest condolences to His Royal Highness King Hamad bin Salman Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain and Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, following the passing of Bahrain’s Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. “God rest him in peace!” Movenpick Hotel Bahrain

“Crowne Plaza Bahrain extends its deepest condolences to the royal family and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa. We honor his legacy and mourn his loss alongside the people of Bahrain.” Crowne Plaza Bahrain

“Our deepest condolences to all the Bahrain Royal Family.” Gulf Suites Hotel Amwaj

“HRH Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa will forever be remembered for shaping the kingdom to what it is today.”
My Cafe Group

“AUBH Board and Management extend sincere condolences to the Royal family and the people of Bahrain.”
American University of Bahrain

“On behalf of the ASB family, we offer our sincere condolences on the passing of his Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
American School of Bahrain