Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Spouse of HM Shaikh Hamad bin Essa Al-Khalifa, King of Bahrain Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women

• Her Highness was born in the city of Muharraq in 1948, at the Palace of her paternal grandfather, Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa bin Ali Al-Khalifa. She was brought up in Riffa under the patronage of her maternal grandfather, the former Ruler of Bahrain, Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, the father of her mother Shaikha Fatima. She has three brothers and four sisters.
  
  
• Her Highness studied at schools in Bahrain, and joined a number of specialised courses in the U.K.
  
  
• Her Highness was awarded an Honorary Professorship of Social Sciences From The China Women's University (2002).
  
  
• In 1968, she married HM Shaikh Hamad bin Essa Al-Khalifa, King of Bahrain. She is mother to four children, the eldest of whom is HH Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Commander-in-Chief of Bahrain Defence Force, who was born in October 1969. She has six grand children, three boys and three girls.
  
  
• Since her marriage to His Majesty, the then Crown Prince, Her Highness has been actively involved in issues of importance to Bahrain. As first Lady, she takes an active role in a number of initiatives to improve the lives of Bahraini citizens, especially the poor and needy. This is evidenced in her interest in projects that generate income for Bahraini families, specifically those that will revive and perpetuate traditional trades.
  
  
• She also has a strong interest in the participation of women in the development process and is closely involved with issues relating to children and young people.
  
  
• Her Highness presides over the Supreme Council for Women, established by Amiri Order No.44 of 2001. The Council is an official body tasked with regulating for women’s issues. It is currently involved in drawing up a national plan and general policies for improving the position of Bahraini women in various areas. Her Highness seeks, through the Supreme Council for Women, to find ways to cooperate with other civil institutions involved in the work of women and the role of the family.
  
  
• In an honorary capacity, she presides over numerous vocational and charitable societies, such as Bahrain Businesswomen Society, Yoko House for the elderly, Al-Manar for Elderly Foster, and Bahrain Cancer Society. She takes a keen interest in their activities and work, participating directly in developing the quality of services in various parts of society. Her Highness also follows-up the work and programs of the various women’s societies in the Kingdom. 
  
  
•  At Pan-Arab and international levels, she participates in specialized conferences and the activities of organizations concerned with women’s affairs. The Arab Women’s Summit Conference is of special interest and she personally follows up on the implementation of its resolutions and recommendations within the Kingdom. Her Highness’ representation of the Kingdom of Bahrain alongside world leaders before the UN General Assembly during the 27th Extraordinary Session for the Child, has gained wide Arab and international attention, and reflects the advanced status of women and children in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
  
  
• Her Highness takes an interest in various schools of literature and the arts, and pays particular attention to historic Bahraini architecture. She is an active advocate for the preservation of the beautiful and distinctive features of traditional buildings, which are of priceless value to the nation. She is known for her artistic talent especially evident in the uniquely beautiful local scenes she has painted.
  
  
• Her Highness cares for natural life, the environment, and the development of green areas on the island, through her patronage of the numerous programs and exhibitions in this field.
  
  
• Her Highness has a preference for Arabian horses and considerable experience and ability in the discernment of rare breeds. Her aim and dedication to maintain the breed’s purity, was achieved when Bahrain was classified by the International Organisation for Arabian horses as one of the first countries that protect those breeds.
  
  
• Her Highness speaks Arabic, English and French.