London: Dubai’s billionaire ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his runaway wife Princess Haya Bint al-Hussein are beginning a court battle here on Tuesday over the welfare of their children, according to media reports.
The development comes after Princess Haya, the half-sister of King Abdullah of Jordan, apparently left Sheikh Mohammed with their children and moved to the UK following the “break-up” of their marriage.
The case is highly sensitive for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it has thrust the personal life of Sheikh Mohammed, one of the most high-profile leaders in the Middle East, back into the headlines. He is also the UAE’s vice-president and Prime Minister.
Oxford-educated Princess Haya is the third female member of his court to run away from the UAE. She married Sheikh Mohammed in 2004, becoming his sixth and "junior" wife. The 70-year-old sheikh, who is the billionaire owner of Godolphin horse racing stables, reportedly has 23 children by different wives. (IANS)
Also Read: Apple in Court Battle Over App Store