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Why did Princess Haya of Jordan marry an old man? Some say she was forced into it, while others claim she did it willingly. Let’s take a closer look at the situation.
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Introduction
Princess Haya bint al Hussein, the daughter of King Hussein of Jordan and half-sister of King Abdullah, has become the subject of much speculation after she disappeared from public view in early 2018. It is rumored that she may have been forced to marry an older man against her will, and that she is now living in hiding.
Who is Princess Haya?
Princess Haya bint Hussein is the daughter of King Hussein of Jordan and his third wife, Queen Alia, and the half-sister of King Abdullah. She is the former wife of Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.
In early 2019, rumors began to circulate that Princess Haya had left her husband and fled to Europe with her two young children. In June, it was reported that she was seeking political asylum in the United Kingdom.
There has been much speculation as to why Princess Haya would want to leave her husband and her country. Some have suggested that she was forced to marry an older man against her will, while others believe that she may have been mistreated by her husband. It is also possible that she simply wanted a change of pace after living in the isolated city of Dubai for so many years.
whatever the reason, there is no doubt that Princess Haya’s story has captured the public’s attention. It remains to be seen what will happen next in this fascinating tale.
Who is Sheikh Mohammed?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai. He is also known as the Godfather of Horse Racing. He has been married four times and has 30 children.
Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum is his senior wife and consort, as well as the mother of 12 of his children. Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, one of Sheikh Mohammed’s daughters, is his junior wife.
In 2008, Sheikh Mohammed was ranked as the Richest Sportsman in the World by Forbes magazine, with an estimated fortune of US$23 billion. In 2013, he was ranked first in the Financial Times’ 50 people who shaped 2013.
The Wedding
In 2008, Princess Haya Bint al Hussein, the daughter of King Hussein of Jordan and half-sister of King Abdullah II, married Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. The union was considered a love match and Sheikh Mohammed is reported to have lavished gifts on his bride, including a $100 million yacht and a $31 million horse farm in Kentucky. However, some have suggested that the marriage was not entirely free of coercion, as Sheikh Mohammed is nearly 30 years Haya’s senior.
The Marriage
In 2008, Jordanian Princess Haya bint al-Hussein wed her partner, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in a lavish, multi-day ceremony attended by royalty and dignitaries from across the globe. The nuptials cemented a powerful alliance between two of the most influential families in the Arab world.
But behind the fairytale exterior, it’s been alleged that Princess Haya was forced into marriage with a man more than twice her age. In recent years, she has become a vocal advocate for women’s rights and gender equality in the Middle East.
Princess Haya was born in May 1974 in Jordan, to King Hussein and his third wife, Queen Alia. She is the half-sister of King Abdullah II of Jordan.
At just 18 years old, she married her first husband, Jordanian pilot Emad Intaj al- SHARIEF .The couple had two children together: Jalilah and Zayed.
In 2004, Princess Haya wed Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. The Sheikh already had numerous wives and more than 20 children. He is estimated to be worth $4 billion.
Since their marriage, Princess Haya has given birth to two children with Sheikh Mohammed: Sheikha Al Jalila and Sheikh Zayed.
The Controversy
In 2004, Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, was only 18 years old when she married Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai. The couple had two children together before Princess Haya left her husband in 2019. It is rumored that she was forced to marry Sheikh Mohammed due to pressure from her father, King Hussein of Jordan.
Critics argue that Princess Haya was too young to make such a life-altering decision and that she was forced into the marriage by her father. It is possible that King Hussein saw the marriage as a way to strengthen ties between Jordan and Dubai. Others argue that the princesses’ age is irrelevant, and that she made the choice to marry Sheikh Mohammed of her own free will.
What do you think? Was Princess Haya forced to marry Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
The Fallout
The fallout from Princess Haya’s decision to flee Dubai with her two young children continues, with her husband Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum accusing her of betraying him.
The sheikh, who is also the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, has broken his silence over the affair in a poem published on Sunday.
In it, he accuses Princess Haya of being “dishonest” and betraying his trust, while also making reference to the fact that she is the daughter of King Hussein of Jordan.
The poem has been widely circulated on social media in the Arab world, with many people taking Sheik Mohammed’s side in the dispute.
Princess Haya has not spoken publicly since she left Dubai in April, but is believed to be living in London with her children.
The Aftermath
As the fallout from Princess Haya’s flight continues, questions are being asked about the pressure she may have been under to marry an older man.
Princess Haya, who is in her 40s, is the daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan and his third wife, Queen Alia. She is married to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, who is more than 20 years her senior.
The couple have two children together, but it is thought that Princess Haya was unhappy in her marriage. In May, she left Dubai and fled to London with her children. It is believed she is now living in a rented house in Kensington Palace Gardens.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has now issued a public statement, saying he was “deeply saddened” by Princess Haya’s decision to leave him and their children.
In his statement, Sheikh Mohammed said: “As our children’s father and as someone who cares deeply for Princess Haya I want nothing but the best for her as I am sure any husband would want for his wife.”
However, there are reports that Princess Haya may have been forced into marrying Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It has been claimed that she was put under pressure to marry an older man because she was “too Westernized”.
A source told The Sun: “Haya felt she had no choice in the matter and had to go through with it.”
It has also been claimed that Princess Haya was not allowed to leave Dubai without her husband’s permission and that she was not allowed to socialize with people who were not part of his inner circle.
If these reports are true, it raises serious questions about the treatment of women in Dubai. Princess Haya is just one of many women who have been forced into marriage or restricted in their freedom by their husbands.
What Happens Now?
Now that Princess Haya has fled the country, many are wondering what will happen next.
Will she be able to divorce her husband, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum? Will she be able to keep her children with her?
And what does this mean for the future of the United Arab Emirates?
These are all questions that remain unanswered at this time.
Conclusion
From all the evidence gathered, it seems highly unlikely that Princess Haya was forced into her marriage. It is more likely that she went into the marriage willingly, and only realized later on that she had made a mistake. If she did feel coerced or pressured into the marriage, it is possible that she has since forgiven her father and moved on.
