Ruler of Dubai Ordered to Pay Divorce Settlement That Could Exceed £500m

THE GUARDIAN: Payment to protect Princess Haya and children from threat sheikh poses to them is highest awarded by a UK court

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum and Princess Haya attending Derby Day at Epsom Downs Racecourse in 2016. Photograph: David M Benett/Getty Images
The ruler of Dubai has been ordered to pay his ex-wife Princess Haya and their two children a divorce settlement which could reach over half a billion pounds – the highest ever awarded by a UK court – to protect them from the threat he poses to them.

In a written judgment, Mr Justice Moor said that “uniquely” the “main threat” to Haya and the children came from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, who is also prime minister of the United Arab Emirate, a close Gulf ally of Britain.

Haya fled to Britain in April 2019 with her two children. Since then, in a series of hearings concerned with custody, access and financial support, which have so far cost over £70m in legal fees, high court judges have found on the balance of probabilities that: » | Haroon Siddique, Legal affairs correspondent | Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Dubai ruler’s divorce settlement reveals ‘truly opulent’ standard of living: Couple spent £2m on strawberries in a summer and children had annual £10m allowances »

Dubai Ruler Organised Kidnapping of His Children, UK Court Rules

THE GUARDIAN: Ruling backs Princess Haya’s claim that husband Sheikh Mohammed intimidated her

The ruler of Dubai orchestrated the abductions of two of his children – one from the streets of Cambridge – and subjected his youngest wife to a campaign of “intimidation”, a damning UK family court judgment has found.

In findings that risk destabilising diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, a close Gulf ally of Britain, the actions of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum were described by the judge as behaviour which, on the balance of probabilities, amounted to potentially breaking UK and international law.

The Guardian and other news organisations can reveal the ruling following months of private hearings and a legal dispute that reached the supreme court. It details an extraordinary family saga spanning 20 years during which the sheikh, 70, organised international kidnappings, imprisoned two of his daughters and “deprived [them] of their liberty”. » | Owen Bowcott and Haroon Siddique | Thursday, March 5, 2020

Dubai ruler's wife who shattered perception of a perfect couple »

World Exclusive: Dubai Royal Insider Breaks Silence on Escaped Princesses | 60 Minutes Australia

For the first time, Dubai royal family member and palace insider, Marcus Essabri, exposes what life is like inside the royal family. In a world exclusive interview with 60 Minutes, he says the freedoms of women are severely restricted, and there are torturous consequences for those who dare to defy those in power.