His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa has served as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States since 2017, representing Bahrain in Washington and working to strengthen the longstanding strategic partnership between Bahrain and the United States. He was appointed to the position by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa by Royal Decree No. 34/2017.
Ambassador Al Khalifa brings extensive experience in government, public administration, international relations, and community development. Prior to his diplomatic appointment, he served as Governor of Bahrain’s Southern Governorate, the Kingdom’s largest governorate, beginning in 2010. As Governor, Ambassador Al Khalifa established a partnership with the U.S.-based Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) organization, and he currently serves as a member of D.A.R.E.’s Board of Directors.
Earlier in his career, he held senior positions at the Royal Court, where he oversaw Educational, Medical and Social Affairs, and at the General Organization for Youth and Sports, where he served as Director of Planning and Follow-up and later as Director of Financial and Human Resources.
As Ambassador in Washington, he has played an active role in advancing Bahrain’s strategic relationship with the United States and in strengthening engagement across government, business, academic, and civil society communities. His tenure has also included a prominent role in advancing the Abraham Accords and Bahrain’s relationship with Israel.
Ambassador Al Khalifa’s leadership and public service have received significant recognition. In 2016, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa awarded him an Honorary Distinction Award in recognition of his achievements and contributions as Governor. In 2019, he received the Stevie Award for Personality of the Year for his role in founding and developing the Maan “Together” program against violence and addiction. In 2022, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce named him its “Ambassador of the Year” in recognition of his contributions to U.S.-Arab commercial relations and his extensive efforts to build relationships across government, business, and civil society.
Ambassador Al Khalifa holds a Bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Bentley University, as well as a certificate in Innovation in Governance from Harvard Kennedy School. He earned his PhD from the International School of Management in Paris.
