UN asks UAE for ‘proof of life’ of Dubai princess

The UN human rights office said on Friday it had asked the UAE to provide proof that an Emirati princess held against her will for nearly three years was alive.

The Geneva-based High Commissioner for Human Rights said it presented the case of Princess Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum to the United Arab Emirates mission to the UN on Thursday.

A few days ago, the BBC published snippets from video diaries which Princess Latifa said she recorded in a bathroom inside the estate in Dubai where she was being held. She was arrested by commandos off the coast of India in 2018 as she tried to flee Dubai on a yacht.

“We present our concerns over the situation in light of the disturbing video evidence that has emerged this week,” spokeswoman Elizabeth Throssell said. “We are requesting additional information and clarification on the current situation of Princess Latifa.”

“It is true that we are asking for proof of life,” he added.

Friends of the princess have said they fear for her safety because they had not heard from her since she stopped responding to text messages six months ago. The 35-year-old princess is the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the hereditary ruler of Dubai and the prime minister and vice-president of the United Arab Emirates.