Bahrain's His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa has ratified the new Unified Family Law after it was approved by the kingdom's Shura Council.

His Majesty hailed the executive-legislative cooperation which benefited the nation and citizens, said a BNA report.

He made the statement in the presence of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, as he received Speaker Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mulla and Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al-Saleh.

Deputy Speakers, Shura Council vice chairpersons, heads of committees were also present at the Sakhir Palace. They all greeted HM the King marking the endorsement of the Unified Family Law. HM the King welcomed them all and expressed thanks and appreciation to HRH the Premier and HRH the Crown Prince for the executive-legislative cooperation.

He commended the Speaker and Shura Council chairman, MPs and Shura members for their dedicated role in passing the crucial law unanimously.

HM the King underscored the crucial importance of the Family Law which, he said, bolsters Bahraini judiciary and strengthens guarantees that protect litigators’ rights and preserve Bahraini families’ cohesion.

"The new law represents another milestone in our comprehensive development and a landmark legal chapter that protects the family entity", HM the King said. He hailed the new legislation as a source of pride for all Bahrainis and quantum leap that bolsters the Kingdom’s standing and pioneering role among advanced and civilized nations.

HM the King commended the role of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) for advocating and supporting the promulgation of the Unified Family Law which, he said, will contribute to bolstering the stability of Bahraini family and woman and promoting their role within society.

"We ordered the establishment of the family law review committee to ensure the new legislation complies with the Islamic Sharia precepts", he said, adding that Bahrain would always guarantee all citizens’ liberties and rights.

"With our national unity and cohesion we will grow even stronger and achieve further strides", HM the King said, taking pride in Bahrain’s deep-rooted Arab and Islamic identity.

His Majesty King received a cable of congratulations from Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of HM the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women, on the issuance of the Family Law.