WebThe 45-year-old married the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in 2004, aged 29, becoming his sixth and junior wife. [62], Mohammed has overseen the creation and growth of a number of businesses and economic assets of Dubai, with a number held by two companies under his ownership, Dubai World and Dubai Holding. We spent most of our time downstairs, trying to contact journalists on our phones, as Latifa felt that might protect her., But after just eight days on board the yacht, captained by Herv Jaubert (a Frenchman whose help Latifa had enlisted after she read about his own escape from Dubai), the princesss short-lived freedom came to an abrupt end off the coast of Goa, when the two women heard gunshots from the upper deck. Video, Rescuers search wreckage of deadly Greece train crash, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. His sons Rashid, Ahmed, Majid, and Hamdan took the team gold in endurance riding,[90] his niece Latifa took a bronze in show jumping,[91] and his daughter Maitha led the UAE team in taekwondo. Im feeling positive about the future and Im feeling like its a start of an adventure. [30][31][26], As a young man, in January 1968, Mohammed was present when his father Rashid and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan first met in the desert between Dubai and Abu Dhabi at Argoub El Sedira[32] to agree to the formation of a union of emirates following British notification of intent to withdraw from the Trucial States. [26], From the age of four, Mohammed was privately tutored in Arabic and Islamic Studies. Its changed my life completely. While work began on both hotels at the same time, the island to house the Burj Al Arab required three years to build before construction began above ground. Hamdan bin Faisal Al Qassimi (born 24 December 2021). Open Minds", SMCCU aims to improve cross-cultural understanding and communication between UAE locals and guests visiting or residing in the UAE. By 1992, Mohammed had started 'wintering' his horses in Dubai, frequently against the advice of trainers and pundits in the UK. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been in the headlines this week regarding the whereabouts of his daughter Princess Latifa but what else do we know about the Dubai rulers private life? It was like she was a prisoner in a gilded cage, with no freedom., Sheikh Mohammed with Queen Elizabeth II in Abu Dhabi; he is an acquaintance of the British monarch and owns a racing stable and an estate in the UK.Credit:Getty Images. Sheikh Mohammed said he had no hacked material in his possession and no surveillance had been undertaken with his express or implied authority. Meanwhile, the UN have asked for proof she is still alive. [79], Sheikh Mohammed is a major figure in international thoroughbred horse racing and breeding. In the divorce judgment, Mr Justice Moor, decided that, given earlier rulings, the princess and her two children were particularly vulnerable. This long-running court custody battle has thrown a spotlight on the normally closed world of Middle Eastern royal families. On his Instagram story, Sheikh Hamdan revealed that he and his wife have welcomed a baby boy. The combination of dry soil, the climate and the local micro climate here creates the ideal growing conditions for the development of healthy olive trees. A hundred people or more lived in his house, including guards and slaves. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (born 18 November 2003). Theres only so much you can do when youre trapped in a country and trapped by all these restrictions, says Latifa in the film. READ MORE: Royal At the age of 10, he moved to Al Shaab School, and two years later, went to Dubai Secondary School. Sheikha Shamma bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 13 November 2001). Its pretty normal over there for a female to be under house arrest for rebelling. In 1995, his hands-on approach to racing resulted in a major split with leading trainer Henry Cecil after a disagreement over racing a horse Mohammed insisted was injured. It is now 20 years since Princess Latifa's sister, Shamsa, was last seen in public.Credit: She was imprisoned for eight years after the escape in Dubai, says Tiina. It isnt known exactly why she made the decision to leave, but it is believed that she was made aware of information concerning Latifas story, and that could have caused her to flee out of concerns for herself and her own young children. Fatima bint Mansour Al Nahyan (born 9 June 2006). In spite of her wealth, she hadnt left the country in more than two decades, and claims she wasnt even allowed to visit friends houses. Horizon elite organic olive oil is produced in the Cretan village of Kalamafka in the southern foothills of the Diktian mountain range, located 12km north of Ierapetra and 24km west of Agios Nikolaos. That was the last time I saw Latifa. [144] Asked about these holdings, Sheikh Mohammed's lawyer rejected that the properties were bought through offshore companies or that the holdings were intended to avoid UK taxes. [64], Mohammed's personal corporate portfolio is the Dubai Holding Group, which is involved in a variety of investments. It has also awarded secured payments of 5.6m-a-year to each of her two children, a 14-year-old daughter and a nine-year old son. Houria Ahmed Lamara, the mother of Princess Latifa, is one of six women who has been married to the Dubai leader. The court was told of a security assessment that put the risk to Princess Haya and her children as "severe". And if Latifa as a princess is treated like this, imagine how theyre treated? Campaign group Human Rights Watch has called the UAE hypocritical, and says that any attempt to paint the government as tolerant is laughable. [I was] in a cell, which was freezing cold with the fluorescent lights always on. The region boasts 300 days of sunshine annually, and its altitude ensures only small changes in temperate throughout the year (mild winters and cool summers). There is also provision for a substantial "security budget" as well as holidays, salaries and accommodation for both a nurse and a nanny, armoured vehicles for the family, and the cost of maintaining various ponies and pets. The award aims to grant financial or in kind support to the visual and performing arts, literature, and film sectors, which contribute to enriching the artistic and cultural scene in Dubai. Web2004 - Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai and vice president of the United Arab Emirates, marries Princess Haya bint al-Hussein, half sister of Jordanian King Abdullah. This was rejected, and judges ruled the sheikh had ordered and orchestrated the abduction of Sheikha Shamsa and Sheikha Latifa, and forced them to return to Dubai. Dont move or well shoot you., We were taken back to Dubai. Mohammed bin Majid Al Maktoum (born 15 July 2015). They all have similar stories. The escape was the result of a seven-year plan that involved driving into Oman, taking a dinghy into international waters, and boarding a yacht to Sri Lanka, from where Latifa hoped to fly to the United States and claim political asylum. Ill never give up hope. It was constructed on an island offshore from the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the first property managed by Jumeirah,[68] the hotel management company launched by Mohammed in 1997 and headed by ex-Trust House Forte executive Gerald Lawless. Zoe Grigorakos, like the rest of Sheik's wives, has stayed out of the spotlight. Land which is owned by him is managed as an asset of the state. [112] Despite her family's insistence that she has been enjoying time with them at home the past two years, Sheikha Latifa says in the series of videos released by her advocates that she is "a hostage" and fears for her life. She called it a house, and hated it. Rashid bin Majid Al Maktoum (born 2 February 2019). The hack was made using invasive spyware called Pegasus, which infects targeted phones and was produced by the Israeli firm NSO Group. "[55], Mohammed announced that the Hope mission had succeeded at orbit insertion on 9 February 2021,[56] and shared the first picture the probe had captured days later. Cultivation takes place at multiple levels due to the sloping terrain. But shes not. Hamdan bin Khaled Al Nahyan (born 25 August 2021). In the UK, Mohammed's horses have won Group One races including several of the British Classic Races. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric', The people who want you to believe the Ukraine war is fake, What we've learned from Alex Murdaugh murder trial. Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has welcomed a new addition to his family, a baby boy named Mohammed. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has announced the newest member of his family. Its about time we looked beyond the faade and glitz and glamour of Dubai, and questioned whats really going on.. (36) of 2009 Amending Law No. [133], In October 2013, Mohammed faced another scandal in the venue of horseracing, with reports of potentially toxic and dangerous steroids, anaesthetics, and anti-inflammatory drugs being shipped into the UAE, mislabeled as "horse tack". (24) of 2006 Establishing the Dubai Establishment for Women Development", "Dubai Electricity and Water Authority is the Gold Sponsor of the 4th Arab Women Leadership Forum", "Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid forms Gender Balance Council to empower women", "UAE Cabinet approves peace deal with Israel", "UAE swears in country's first ambassador to Israel - Dubai media office", "Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre established", "The facts on Hope: The UAE's Mars mission 'Al-Amal' | DW | 09.02.2021", "U.A.E. [75], In 2005, Mohammed made an offer to pay to separate conjoined twins in India, but the offer was declined for fears the surgery was too risky. [42] The government is described as autocratic, as there are no democratic institutions, and internal dissent is prohibited. [134], In October 2021, an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) revealed that over 330 prominent politicians and public officials across the world had ties with offshore companies. [20] On 16 February 2021, BBC's Panorama broadcast a documentary featuring Sheikha Latifa's video messages that she made secretly under enforced detention in Dubai on the orders of Sheikh Mohammed. In February 2021 video footage obtained by the BBC shows Sheikha Latifa saying she has been "a hostage" for over a year "with no access to medical help" in "solitary confinement" without access to medical or legal help in a "villa jail" with windows and doors barred shut, and guarded by police. Maitha bint Majid Al Maktoum (born 17 May 2017). WebThe ruling is expected to be the final major decision in the case between Sheikh Mohammed, 72, and his sixth wife Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, 47. Read about our approach to external linking. At an altitude of 500 meters, Kalamafka has lush green vegetation and rich sources of spring water, and extensive olive cultivation in the fertile soils between the rock formations that characterize the entire landscape. [39], After roughly a decade of de facto rule, Mohammed became the ruler of Dubai on 4 January 2006, upon the death of his brother Maktoum. She was the mother of Sheikh Jassim, Sheikh Abdullah and Sheikh Ahmed, Sheikh Mohammed had a total of 27 children 12 sons and 15 daughters., it is known that his last wife who he loved dearly was known to be head chief of all his living Latifa with ex-Irish president Mary Robinson in late 2018; this is the only proof her friend Tiina has that the princess is still alive.Credit: The only proof Tiina has that Latifa is alive are some photos of her taken in Dubai in late 2018: she is with Mary Robinson, Irelands former president, who is a friend of Princess Haya. [19] Allegedly, Shamsa and Latifa were forcibly medicated while held in Dubai under Sheikh Mohammed's orders since 2000 and 2018, respectively. This natural terrace-like cultivation facilitates the drainage of water as well as exposing each individual tree better to the sun and light. Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister, Interests, activities and philanthropic work, Mohammed bin Rashid Global initiatives (MBRGI), Aiding mosque construction in the Netherlands, Sheikha Latifa and Sheikha Shamsa kidnap allegations. Mohammed has overseen the development of certain projects in Dubai including the creation of a technology park, a free economic zone, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City,[8] the Dubai International Finance Centre, the Palm Islands[9] and the Burj Al Arab hotel. Cecil took the argument public and Mohammed removed all his horses from Cecil's stable. Operating under the motto "Open Doors. We were scared, hugging each other. DeSantis won't say he's running. Hamad bin Nasser Al Khalifa (born 6 June 2012). [22] On 19 September 2022, he attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey, London.[140]. Princess Hayas lawyers wanted both Shamsa and Latifa to give evidence about their treatment at their fathers hands. (23) of 2017 on the Formation of a Board of Trustees and Decree No. [99][bettersourceneeded], An early 2000s British police investigation of allegations, made by a former riding instructor, about the attempted escape of Mohammed's daughter Latifa from her family estate in England and the subsequent kidnapping on a street in Cambridge of Latifa's sister Shamsa in 2001, was inconclusive. "The police threaten me that they would take me outside and shoot me if I didn't cooperate with them," she said. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Princess Haya continued to receive threats after moving to Britain, with messages saying "we can reach you anywhere" and she has since spent vast sums on security for fear her children would be abducted and flown back to Dubai. I was sleep-deprived and the guards told me Id stabbed the ruler of Dubai in the back, so Id get the death penalty or a life sentence. [72], The Palm Islands were developed by Nakheel Properties, which Mohammed founded. It is now 20 years since Shamsa was last seen in public. Sheikh Mohammed is one of the richest heads of state in the world and is the ruler of Dubai and vice-president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The image shared on Hind bint Mohammed Al Sharqi (born 22 June 2020). According to the laws of Dubai, the ruling family owns all undeveloped land in Dubai, which has allowed the family to prosper from real estate development. Station master arrested after dozens killed in Greece train crash, Survivors describe 'nightmarish seconds' as trains crashed, Rescuers search wreckage of deadly Greece train crash. She wasnt permitted to study Her dream had been to study medicine, says Tiina and, unlike most of her step-siblings, no plans had been made for her or her sisters to marry, which Tiina believes is due to her and her sister Shamsas previous attempts to flee. A class-action suit was filed against him in the US state of Florida. Its sad. To study. [128][129][130] In 2006, American lawyers representing the UAE raised a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on the grounds that none of the involved parties resided in the US, arguing that the UN program best served the interests of the children. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile cases of people, including foreigners, being imprisoned and allegedly badly treated at the hands of the countrys security services. Mohammed succeeded his brother Maktoum as vice president and ruler following the latter's death in 2006. [29], On Mohammed's return from military training to Dubai, his father appointed him as the head of the Dubai Police Force and the Dubai Defence Force (which later became a part of the Union Defence Force) when he was only 20 years old. Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, Dubai ruler had ex-wifes phone hacked - UK court. Captured by commandos off Indias coastline, she hasnt been seen since. Latifa bint Maktoum Al Maktoum (born 11 January 2022). The Sheikh is believed to have about 25 children "There is a clear and ever-present risk to these children that is almost certain to persist until they obtain their independence," the judge said. His wife awarded the team a further 25 million dirhams ($6.8 million), while the pair's grandsons contributed 12 million dirhams ($3.3 million). This Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oil is officially certified as organic by the Bio Hellas Institute. To travel. WebHow many wives does Sheikh Mohammed have? 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