The estranged wife of the ruler of Dubai is applying for a forced marriage protection order, the High Court has heard.
Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein arrived at the Royal Courts of Justice in
London on Tuesday ahead of the latest hearing in the legal battle between her and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum over their children.
Princess Haya and Sheikh Mohammed issued a statement confirming they are parties to proceedings before the court following a private hearing before the president of the family division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, earlier this month.
The statement said: “These proceedings are concerned with the welfare of the two children of their marriage and do not concern divorce or finances.”During a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, the judge allowed the media to report that Princess Haya has applied for wardship of their children, as well as for a non-molestation order, and a forced marriage protection order in relation to the children.
A forced marriage protection order can be made to protect a person from being forced into a marriage or from any attempt to be forced into a marriage and could, for example, prevent someone being taken abroad.
The details of the order sought by Princess Haya are not known.
Sir Andrew rejected an application by Sheikh Mohammed’s lawyers for those details to be subject to reporting restrictions.
The court also heard that Sheikh Mohammed has applied to the High Court for the summary return of the children to Dubai.
Earlier, reporters who were not accredited in the
UK or whose publications were based outside of
England and Wales were prevented from attending the hearing.
Sheikh Mohammed, who turned 70 earlier this month, is the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai.
He is also the founder of the successful Godolphin horse racing stable and last month received a trophy from the
Queen after one of his horses won a race at Royal Ascot.
He was not present at the hearing on Tuesday.
Princess Haya, 45, who is the half-sister of King Abdullah II of Jordan and is Sheikh Mohammed’s sixth wife, reportedly fled Dubai earlier this year.Related... Dubai Ruler’s Wife Fled To UK After Becoming ‘Too Close To
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