About Abdulla Al Khalifa
Strengthening Longstanding Bahrain-US Ties & Facilitating Cooperation
Shaikh Abdulla was appointed as the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Ambassador to the United States in July, 2017. Through his daily work in Washington, DC, he leads the Kingdom of Bahrain’s mission to strengthen ties between the US and the American people and drive the countries’ shared values and visions.
Having earned his BA & MBA in the United States, the Bahrain Ambassador to the US is also a lifelong supporter of education and an advocate for Bahrainis in the US, especially Bahraini students countries’ shared values and visions.
Shaikh Abdulla currently resides with his wife and children outside of Washington, DC.
A Key Representative for His Majesty, the King of Bahrain, in Washington
In 2010, Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa was appointed as Governor of the Southern Governorate, the largest in size. For 8 years, Shaikh Abdulla successfully served the area with the highest potential for development.
Above all, today Ambassador Shaikh Abdulla is the main representative in the US for Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa, and HM’s vision for Bahrain-US security cooperation, economic exchange, and peaceful coexistence worldwide.
Education
Diploma
Ibn Khuldoon National High School
BS
Management, Bentley University
Certificate in Innovation in Governance
Harvard Kennedy School
Professional Career
Governor of the Southern Governorate of the Kingdom of Bahrain
Director of Financial and Human Resources, General Organization for Youth and Sports
Director of Planning and Follow-up, General Organization for Youth and Sports
Head of Educational, Medical and Social Affairs, Royal Court of the Kingdom of Bahrain
Anti-Violence & Anti-Addiction Leadership and Initiatives
As part of a collaborative effort between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America, then Governor Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa launched a partnership between the Southern Governorate and the American non-profit organization D.A.R.E. to develop and deploy an anti-violence and anti-addiction program. The program was delivered by trained community police officers in local elementary and secondary schools.
The initiative later transformed into a national program sponsored by the Kingdom's National Anti-Drug Committee, on which Shaikh Abdulla used to serve.
Shaikh Abdulla played an active role in drafting the National Anti-Drug Strategy in conjunction with the regional office of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which launched in 2016.
Awards & Recognitions
Honorary Distinction Award, the Kingdom of Bahrain
In 2016, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa granted Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa an Honorary Distinction Award recognizing his gubernatorial achievements and contributions.
Stevie Award
In October 2019, Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa received the 2019 Stevie Award in the Personality of the Year category for his role in the founding and development of the Maan “Together” program, an anti-violence and anti-addiction program in Bahrain. The program is similar to D.A.R.E in the United States.
NUSACC 2022 "Ambassador of the Year"
National U.S. – Arab Chamber of Commerce recognized H.E. Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid AlKhalifa, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Ambassador to the United States as NUSACC’s 2022 “AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR”. This award is given annually to a member of the Arab diplomatic corps in the USA for his or her outstanding contributions to U.S. - Arab commercial relations. David Hamod, President & CEO of NUSACC noted “We are pleased and proud to recognize the extraordinary work that he has done in the United States on behalf of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Few ambassadors have traveled as extensively in the USA as he has, building bridges at all levels: in government circles, within the business community, and with civil society. The partnerships that he has formed will positively influence Bahrain – U.S. relations for decades to come.”
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Medal for Medical Merit
In March. 2022 Following the Royal Order of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, H.E. Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States was awarded with the "Prince Salman bin Hamad Medal for Medical Merit", in recognition of his prominent role in supporting the Kingdom's comprehensive COVID-19 response.
Learn more about the Bahraini Ambassador to the US and his commitment and service to sports and culture.