Career
Bahrain Ambassador to the US
Strengthening Ties Across Bahraini & American Society
Bringing extensive leadership in public service, the Bahraini Ambassador to the US, Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa understands the importance of building partnerships with people and organizations across all spheres of society, at the federal, state, and local levels. In his daily work, he actively builds bridges between the American and Bahraini people, companies, organizations, and institutions.
The Ambassador’s Key Priority Areas
During his tenure and drawing on his experience in education and local governance, the Ambassador brings unique expertise to his priority areas. First, he is focusing on building partnerships and channels that facilitate institutional knowledge sharing and capacity building between local American and Bahraini agencies, through the mechanism of Memoranda of Understanding. Second, he is supporting students and educational institutions.
American Bahraini Friendship Society (ABFS)
As a board member of ABFS, Bahraini Ambassador to the US, Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa works actively with other board members to strengthen the 100 year special relationship between our nations through not only promoting friendship and understanding between the two countries but also by increasing the level of awareness of Bahrain in the US. The Society’s mission is to enhance historical, commercial, and social programs of mutual benefit while fostering closer ties between Americans and Bahrainis. His excellency participates in various bilateral trade missions, educational seminars alongside universities and receptions celebrating the bond between our countries. Please visit https://www.abfsdc.org to learn more about the Society’s history, leadership and activities in US and Bahrain.
Supporting Students and Education
The Bahrain Ambassador to the US regularly visits American universities and meets with students, both American and Bahraini, and welcomes education leaders to the Embassy and the Residence. He actively encourages and supports Bahraini students studying in the US. He also enjoys highlighting Bahrain’s approach to education, which includes compulsory and free universal basic education and the highest literacy rates in the region.
Bahrain-US Security Cooperation
As Bahraini Ambassador to the US, Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa works with US counterparts to build security cooperation and increase dialogue between countries in the region. He is a key representative of Bahrain’s work with the US to enhance stability in the Gulf and build the foundation for a more peaceful world. Bahrain is a key security partner and ally to the US and long-time home to the US Navy’s entire Fifth Fleet.
International Understanding, Religious Tolerance, and Peace
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Trade and Economic Exchange
In his role as Ambassador, Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa promotes trade and economic exchange between Bahrain and the US, actively consults business and technology leaders, and shares the success of the US-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement. He plays a key role in sharing Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, which is built on the principles of sustainability, competitiveness and fairness, leading to diversifying sources of income, and attracting investments in the region.
I sincerely hope and believe that we will continue building on our strong foundation to produce even more trade and investments between the US and Bahrain in the coming years.”
— Shaikh Abdulla Rashed Al Khalifa
Celebrating Women’s Contributions
The Ambassador plays a key role in highlighting the pioneering role played by Bahraini women in the advancement of society and the Kingdom as a whole over the past decades. At the Embassy, he has proudly hosted the Women’s Diplomatic Series participants and honored women on International Women’s Day and Bahraini Women’s Day, held each year on December 1st.
Bahrain, due to its policies and investments in women entrepreneurs, has the highest percentage of female business founders in the world, according to the 2019 Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
Bilateral Cooperation Between the US & Bahrain
Ambassador Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa serves as Bahrain’s representative on other matters of bilateral importance, including combatting funding for terrorism, combatting extremism, fighting human trafficking, and enhancing cooperation on matters of customs and border issues, data protection, cybersecurity, and more.