Bahrain's legal pioneer Dr. Hussain Al-Baharna passes away at 93
TDT | Manama
Dr. Hussain Al Baharna, the legal scholar who helped shape Bahrain's 1973 Constitution and served as Minister of State for Legal Affairs for nearly a quarter of a century, passed away on Sunday at the age of 93. His funeral will be held at 5pm on Monday at Al Hoora Cemetery.
Legal pioneer
Al Baharna was among the first Bahrainis to study law abroad, earning his degree from Baghdad in 1953 before pursuing further study in Britain and the Netherlands. He later completed a doctorate in public international law at the University of Cambridge in 1961, cementing a legal foundation that would influence both national and international jurisprudence.
He was appointed Minister of State for Legal Affairs in 1971, shortly after Bahrain's independence, and remained in that position until 1995. His contributions were central to the drafting of the 1973 Constitution and the shaping of Bahrain's modern civil law system.
International influence
Dr. Al Baharna's influence extended beyond the Kingdom. From 1987 to 2006, he served as Asia's representative on the United Nations International Law Commission. He also sat on the board of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration from 2003 to 2005, marking him as a global voice in legal reform and diplomacy.
His written works reflect his deep engagement with regional and international legal frameworks. These include A Legal Study and Analysis of the Constitutional State of the Kingdom of Bahrain (2008), Iran's Claim to Sovereignty Over Bahrain (2008), and Political and Constitutional Developments of the Gulf States (2005).
Legacy remembered
Dr. Al Baharna was widely recognised for his contributions. He received the Arab Historian's Medal in 1986, Bahrain's First-Class State Order in 1996, and the First-Class Order of Shaikh Isa bin Salman in 2001. His legal writings, policy work, and diplomatic service earned him the respect of scholars and statesmen alike.
His death marks the end of an era in Bahraini legal history, closing the chapter on one of the nation's most influential constitutional figures.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
4 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
‘Modern Parliament Leads Globally'
TDT | Manama Bahrain's modern parliamentary system is emerging as a regional model by integrating digital innovation, gender equality, and diplomatic outreach into its legislative identity. On the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism, MP Dr. Maryam Al-Dhaen reaffirmed that Bahrain's experience now stands at the forefront of national reform and international recognition. Diplomacy in focus Dr. Al-Dhaen described Bahrain's parliament as a key pillar in the Kingdom's state-building and development strategy, empowered by the continued support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and guided by the national reform programme. She said the legislative branch now plays a vital role in foreign policy by building bridges with global parliaments, participating in regional dialogues, and promoting Bahrain's image in multilateral forums. She noted that Bahrain's parliamentary diplomacy reflects the maturity of its democratic experience and supports peace, security, and mutual understanding. These are also among the key goals recognised globally on this day celebrating parliamentary cooperation. Institutional progress Al-Dhaen also commended the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for fostering an effective environment of collaboration between the legislative and executive branches. This, she said, enables the Council to perform its constitutional role with efficiency and confidence, especially in contributing to policymaking and sustainable development. The statement follows a series of recognitions for Bahrain's parliamentary transformation. These include the Shura Council's first-place ranking in the Arab world and 13th globally in the 2024 Digital Maturity Index issued by the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The Council has also achieved a 42 percent female leadership rate within its General Secretariat, and women now chair several permanent committees. Unified direction Al-Dhaen said Bahrain's parliament is evolving not only as a legislative institution but also as a platform for international engagement and democratic expression. International Parliamentary Day, she added, serves as a reminder of the responsibility parliaments bear in upholding justice, promoting development, and advocating for equality across borders. She pledged to continue representing Bahrain's national interests in global forums.
Gulf Insider
6 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain's Legal Pioneer Dr. Hussain Al-Baharna Passes Away At 93
Dr. Hussain Al Baharna, the legal scholar who helped shape Bahrain's 1973 Constitution and served as Minister of State for Legal Affairs for nearly a quarter of a century, passed away on Sunday at the age of 93. His funeral will be held at 5pm on Monday at Al Hoora Cemetery. Legal pioneer Al Baharna was among the first Bahrainis to study law abroad, earning his degree from Baghdad in 1953 before pursuing further study in Britain and the Netherlands. He later completed a doctorate in public international law at the University of Cambridge in 1961, cementing a legal foundation that would influence both national and international jurisprudence. He was appointed Minister of State for Legal Affairs in 1971, shortly after Bahrain's independence, and remained in that position until 1995. His contributions were central to the drafting of the 1973 Constitution and the shaping of Bahrain's modern civil law system. International influence Dr. Al Baharna's influence extended beyond the Kingdom. From 1987 to 2006, he served as Asia's representative on the United Nations International Law Commission. He also sat on the board of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration from 2003 to 2005, marking him as a global voice in legal reform and diplomacy. His written works reflect his deep engagement with regional and international legal frameworks. These include A Legal Study and Analysis of the Constitutional State of the Kingdom of Bahrain (2008), Iran's Claim to Sovereignty Over Bahrain (2008), and Political and Constitutional Developments of the Gulf States (2005). Legacy remembered Dr. Al Baharna was widely recognised for his contributions. He received the Arab Historian's Medal in 1986, Bahrain's First-Class State Order in 1996, and the First-Class Order of Shaikh Isa bin Salman in 2001. His legal writings, policy work, and diplomatic service earned him the respect of scholars and statesmen alike. His death marks the end of an era in Bahraini legal history, closing the chapter on one of the nation's most influential constitutional figures.
Daily Tribune
10 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Executive and legislative unity pillar of progress
TDT | Manama The strong partnership between the executive and legislative branches is a cornerstone of Bahrain's development and reform efforts. This was emphasised by His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, as the Kingdom marks the International Day of Parliamentarism today
