
Princess Haya bint al-Hussein, the wife of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, has applied for a “forced marriage protection order” in England’s High Court. This protection order helps if someone is being forced into marriage or has already been forced into marriage. Princess Haya requested the order for one of her children.
She also applied for a “non-molestation order,” which is supposed to protect from harassment of threats. In addition, she applied for wardship, which means that the court makes any major decisions where children are concerned.
The embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London was asked about the court proceedings but said, “The UAE government does not intend to comment on allegations about individuals’ private lives.” The media office of the Dubai government also declined to comment on “a private matter that is being resolved in the court”.

Princess Haya was present during the court hearing in London – her husband was not. The parties are being represented by two well-known family lawyers: Fiona Shackleton is representing Princess Haya while Helen Ward is representing Sheikh Mohammed. Princess Haya is the daughter of King Hussein of Jordan and his third wife Queen Alia, and the half-sister of King Abdullah II. She married Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2004, and they have a son and a daughter together. She is believed to be his sixth wife, and he has around 20 children.