H.E. Dr. Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence

Throughout its 5000 years of illustrious history, The Kingdom of Bahrain has been a welcoming oasis for all who arrived on her shores.

Bahrain's strategic location in the Arabian Gulf, bridging the cultures of East and West, has resulted in a multi-cultural society comprised of many faiths and ethnicities. Peaceful coexistence is the normal and natural way of life in Bahrain today, just as it has been for Millenia and this rich mosaic of cultural diversity has seen Bahrain develop into a modern and progressive Kingdom, thriving, prosperous and peaceful under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

His Majesty's sincere belief that religious freedom is the key to not only peaceful coexistence, but to a harmonious and prosperous society where the ‘one family’ spirit prevails, has seen His Majesty The King champion religious freedom around the world, as evidenced by His Majesty’s courageous and powerful words in ‘The Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration’ authored by His Majesty The King.

During his reign, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has focused on upholding and protecting the ancient Bahraini custom of Religious Freedom and donating land to many faith communities to ensure they are able to build their houses of worship. As a result, The Kingdom of Bahrain is home to many hundreds of mosques, churches, temples and synagogues and Bahrain is famous the world over for being an oasis of peace, love and harmony.

The modern Kingdom of Bahrain is also known as "the world's leading centre for peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue," with The King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence hosting and facilitating conferences, dialogues and symposia providing a safe and peaceful platform for all voices to be heard in the spirit of mutual respect and love.

As Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, I am proud and honoured to share with you the many projects, partners and friends we have made during our humble efforts to promote peaceful coexistence both at home and abroad and we look forward to welcoming you to Bahrain and continuing our journey together, to a more understanding, just and peaceful world.