Why has Bahrain’s ruling family been associated mainly with the Sunni sect?

The ruling family of Bahrain, the Khalīfah family, is of the Sunni sect, which distinguishes them from the majority of the country's population, who are Shīʿī Muslims.1

The Āl Khalīfah family originated in the Al-Ḥasā province of Arabia and has ruled the archipelago since 1783. While the historical origins of the family's migration and establishment in Bahrain account for their sectarian affiliation, the fact that the ruling family and many of the nation's wealthier and more influential citizens are Sunni has been a persistent source of political and social tension within the country. This disparity has frequently fueled unrest, as the majority Shīʿī population has often cited economic and social grievances, including claims of discrimination, in their interactions with the Sunni-led government.2134