Sheikh Mohammed, who is also prime minister and vice-president of the UAE (and whose personal wealth is estimated at $4.5 billion), challenged the custody petition earlier this year and is seeking an injunction for the immediate return of their children to Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed also asked for the court to impose reporting restrictions, something that judge Sir Andrew McFarlane, the president of the Family Division who is leading the case, rejected, saying there was ‘a public interest in the public understanding, in very broad terms, proceedings that are before the court.’
Sir Andrew McFarlane has allowed the media to report that Princess Haya has applied for a non-molestation order – designed to help victims of domestic violence keep abusers away – and a forced marriage protection order in relation to the children. Although he has banned the reporting of the names and ages of the children – indeed most of the details of the proceedings, due to the restriction involved in a court order.
Princess Haya is close to the British Royal Family, having been seen at the races with the Windsors several times over the years. The Queen is also a friend of Sheikh Mohammed; the ruler of Dubai will have recently received a trophy from Her Majesty after one of his horses won at Royal Ascot. The stage is set for a real royal battle.
