King Hamad gifts $260m to Bahraini families

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa has ordered the distribution of up to BD100 million ($260 million) to national families to mark 10 years of a landmark referendum intended to end internal unrest.

Each family is to get BD1,000 ($2,600) while those who are not in need can donate the money to the poor, newspapers reported.
“The gesture by his majesty will benefit between 85,000 and 100,000 Bahraini families,” the Arabic language daily 'Alayam' said.
“Sources told Alayam that the gift will range between BD85 million and BD100 million that will cover all national families.”

Newspapers said the King’s gesture marked the National Action Charter, a document put forward by King Hamad in 2001 in order to end the popular 1990s uprising and return the country to constitutional rule. It was approved in a national referendum in 2001, in which 98.4 per cent of the voters supported the document.

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