Princess Latifa Al Maktoum: The One That Got Away

Birds make great sky-circles of their freedom. How do they learn it? They fall, and falling, they’re given wings- Rumi

Who is Princess Latifa Al Maktoum?

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the daughter of the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Her mother, Huriah Ahmed al M'aash, a resident of Algeria, is one of the six wives of the Sheikh.

Born in a family with several step siblings, Sheikha Latifa was mostly taken care of by her paternal aunt. She is a well-educated Royal in the Arab Emirates. According to media portrayal of the Princess, she was given the freedom as a woman in her father’s land. She was even an experienced sky diver and free-fall instructor.

The Runaway Princess

When Princess Latifa was 16 years old, in 2002, she made the first attempt to escape from her father’s clutches. She was captured near the Oman border and forcefully brought back. After the incident, the Princess revealed that she was kept under solitary confinement and tortured by her own family for 3 years.

At 33 years of age, she decided to try her luck again but this time she was not alone. On 24^th February 2018, she escaped with her friend, Tiina Jauhiainen. They left the capital in a car and crossed the Oman border via jet skis.

A former French Navy and Intelligence officer, Herve Jaubert helped the Princess by joining them on their endeavour in a yacht called Nostromo where they were sheltered. The officer contacted an Indian journalist who was assigned for their safekeeping for a short while since they were scheduled to fly to the United States for political asylum which would be her final destination.

On 4^th March, the American yacht was found detained by the Indian Special Forces just off the cost of Goa. Princess Latifa and Jauhiainen tried to hide in the bathrooms but were unfortunately caught on gun point. They were detained in India and their families were informed.

On 11^th March, a 39 minute video recorded by the Princess was released on the internet. She expresses her feelings about her family and explains her decision to flee the country. She had taken the video before this venture ‘just in case’ her life was in danger. She accused her father of maltreatment, torture and even attempt to murder.  

The Princess’s loyal friend and confidant, Jauhiainen, tried her best to inform the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to withdraw from the search of the Princess but to no avail. Although little information was available to the media, Jauhiainen was flown to her home country, Finland, without her friend.

#FreeLatifa Campaign/ Missing Information

After the viral video, the world came in solidarity with the Princess with the #FreeLatifa campaign. However, even after worldwide rage against the Prime Minister and several Human Rights Groups, there was very little information about the Princess’s whereabouts. 

The media was only aware that the American yacht was found at the port of UAE on 20^th March, 2018 and returned with its crew including the French officer to Sri Lanka on 2^nd April.

What Happened to Princess Latifa of Dubai?

After her second failed attempt and the viral videos, Princess Latifa’s life was kept private for many months until 5^th December, 2018 when the Royal’s released a statement that all the children including Latifa and “adored and cherished” and that Latifa was “safe in Dubai”. Two days after the statement, a BBC Documentary on the Princess’s escape was released.

After keeping her life within the Palace away from media, on 24^th December, 2018, a few photos of the Princess having lunch with the former United Nations Human Rights Commissioner, Mary Robinson were shared. Robinson claimed that the Princess needed “psychiatric care”. This statement was highly controversial and criticised.  

In early 2019, Tiina Jauhiainen manages to receive secret messages/ videos from Latifa via a number provided to her by her stranger who claims to be in contact with the Princess. They begin to communicate and Latifa provides details about her current confinement. She reveals that her windows are shut at all times and the only room she is allowed to lock is the bathroom which is where she was taking the videos.

Another One Bites the Dust

The crowned ruler, Sheikh Al Maktoum bites the dust again in April 2019 when his sixth wife, Princess Haya escapes the country with her two children and resides in the United Kingdom. She was the second “official wife” of the Sheikh who made several public appearances with him at important events.

The Sheikh approaches the UK court to bring back the Princess and her children to Dubai but the Princess files for protection. In March 2020, the court provides evidence that the Sheikh had intimidated Princess Haya and was responsible for the forcible return of Princess Latifa and Shamsa (full sister of Latifa who escaped in 2000 but was caught and returned to Dubai)

Princess Latifa Today

Since the United Kingdom court proceedings, the contact with Princess Latifa is lost completely. Even Jauhiainen is unaware about any information about the Princess. However, in February 2021, UK is given a letter by Latifa which was written in 2019 asking for investigation in her sister, Shamsa’s escape.

In 2021, the United Nations Human Rights office asked UAE to provide a ‘proof of life’ for Latifa which the country failed to do. Even today, there is no information about the Princess and the family. All we can hope as a fellow human being, is that the Princesses/ women in that state remain safe and speak up against the ill treatment.

Written by Jerusha Patel