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Published
By Ashitha Nagesh
BBC News
The case of Princess Latifa has shocked the world.
She's the daughter of the ruler of Dubai. In secretly recorded videos shared with the BBC, the princess accused her father of having held her hostage in the city since she tried to flee in 2018, and said she feared for her life. The United Nations has since said it will question the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about her.
She isn't the only member of her family to flee the city. In June 2019 Princess Haya bint Hussein, the 45-year-old wife of Princess Latifa's father, fled to Germany and sought political asylum. Latifa's sister, Shamsa, also attempted to escape.
It's a disturbing story, with allegations of oppression, abuse and control against one of the Gulf's most powerful men.
But what about other women in Dubai and in the UAE more widely? How are their rights and opportunities determined by the men in their lives?
Women in the UAE are allowed to drive, vote, work, and own and inherit property. A report from the In the World Economic Forum ranked the UAE second-best in the Middle East and North African (Mena) region for gender equality.
However, context is important.
First, in the WEF's Global Gender Gap report, the Mena region had the lowest score of all the regions - and apart from Israel, none of its countries were in the top 100. The UAE was ranked 120th in the world out of 153. And while the UAE does have an anti-discrimination law, sex and gender aren't included in its definition of discrimination.
Then, while women do have rights, under the Personal Status Law some of these are dependent on the formal approval of a male "guardian" - that is a man, often a spouse or other male relative, who grants a woman permission to do certain things. Although the UAE's guardianship laws aren't as strict or wide-reaching as neighbouring Saudi Arabia's, they do impact women's lives. At other times, where women do have rights, it is hard in practice for women to defend them in a court of law.
One aspect of a woman's personal life that is affected is marriage: a woman needs the permission of a male guardian to wed. Other areas include the custody of children, and inheritance. But there are also unofficial forms of guardianship that aren't codified in law but are carried out in practice, Hiba Zayadin, Human Rights Watch's Mena researcher, tells BBC News.
"Of course there are some instances where it isn't in the law, but in some cases you find people asking women for their guardian's permission when they're applying for jobs or looking for apartments," Ms Zayadin says. "But that is not in the laws themselves. It's most apparent in the laws when it comes to marriage and divorce."
Divorce is also much harder for women. While men can unilaterally divorce their wives, women wanting to divorce have to apply for a court order.
Domestic abuse is another area in which women continue to be discriminated against.
There have been some positive legal changes in the last few years, at least on the surface. For example the UAE's penal code used to explicitly permit men to be violent towards their wives, but this was removed in 2016. A requirement in the Personal Status Law for women to be "obedient" to their husbands was revoked in 2019. Last March a new law came into effect that allowed women access to protection orders - that is, restraining orders - for the first time. There were further legal reforms at the end of last year.
However, campaigners say the rewritten laws don't go nearly far enough.
The new law defines domestic violence as abuse or threats that "exceed [an individual's] guardianship, jurisdiction, authority or responsibility" - meaning that a decision over whether to convict someone of domestic violence ultimately rests on a judge's subjective opinion of whether the accused person was acting within their "authority". So, in practice, protections for abuse victims are still weak.
"What seems to be happening is that the state is removing the most egregious things that it has written down, in its own words in its laws, on the statute books, that show an attitude hostile to gender equality," Devin Kenney, Gulf researcher for Amnesty International, tells BBC News. Amnesty, he says, hasn't been able to enter the UAE to conduct its own research since 2014, when it published a report critical of discriminatory laws in the country.
"So we have tended to rely on what the state writes in its laws to illustrate what their attitudes towards gender questions are," he adds. "And there's still a lot of inequality in those laws themselves, even during this time of ostensible reform. So I would tend to be suspicious because this does not necessarily reflect any deep shifts in social attitudes or government attitudes."
Image source, Getty Images
Any person resident in or visiting the UAE is subject to its laws: there are no exceptions for tourists. There have been a few high-profile cases of tourists getting arrested while on holiday in Dubai. In 2017, for example, a British woman was arrested and sentenced to one year in prison for having consensual sex with a man she wasn't married to. She had reported him to the authorities for sending her threatening messages, who found out the two had had sex.
But whether these laws are actually applied equally is a different issue.
One particular legal change will, in essence, put into law what was previously an unofficial hierarchy - with wealthy expatriate women at the top, Emirati women second, and then migrant domestic workers.
"The UAE appears to be moving towards institutionalising this split now," Mr Kenney says. "At the end of last year when they announced this package of reforms to the Personal Status Law, among other things, it was reported very openly - including in the state news agency Wam - that the purpose was to draw investment and make the country more attractive to expatriates as an investment location.
"And it was reported explicitly in the national press… that the changes to the rules on inheritance and divorce were just going to apply to expatriates, not to Emirati women."
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), in 2017 low-paid migrant workers - who Mr Kenney says are at an "extreme class disadvantage" - made up about 80% of the UAE's total population.
Female migrants in particular, who are predominantly domestic workers from South and Southeast Asia, are policed harshly.
Image source, Getty Images
Mr Kenney says they have "incredibly limited rights". He cites an article of the penal code which says 'consensual violation of honour' can be prosecuted. In practice, he says, it's used to target consensual sex, especially if it breaks gender norms.
"Female migrant labourers who have presented to hospital in the UAE with pregnancies, when they've been unable to produce a husband who is the father responsible for the pregnancy, have been prosecuted under this law. So essentially they've been prosecuted for exercising sexual autonomy," Mr Kenney says.
Women who become pregnant outside marriage face up to a year in prison - for migrant workers, this is a sentence that must be served before they can leave the country. According to a UAE official quoted in a Guardian report last year, several thousand migrant women in the country have children born outside of marriage.
Rape victims, too, have been prosecuted under the laws against extramarital sex. A BBC Arabic investigation in 2015 found that hundreds of women, including rape victims, were being imprisoned under this law every year - and that domestic servants were particularly vulnerable.
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The princess who vanished
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16 February 2021
(Video) The Princess Diaries: Shocking secret videos of Dubai's Princess Latifa | 60 Minutes Australia -
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Timeline: Failed escapes of sheikh's daughters
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16 February 2021
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Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum: Who is Dubai's ruler?
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16 February 2021
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Related Topics
- Women
- United Arab Emirates
- Women's rights
- Mohammed Al Maktoum
- Dubai
- Human rights in Saudi Arabia
FAQs
What are women's rules in Dubai? ›
Women should dress modestly when in public areas like shopping malls. Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible. Swimming attire should be worn only on beaches or at swimming pools. Cross-dressing is illegal.
What happened to Princess Latifa Dubai? ›
But the escape went wrong: eight days into a journey across the Indian Ocean, the boat was caught by commandos who forcibly removed Latifa and returned her to Dubai. Her father later said he considered this a "rescue mission".
Can females own property in Dubai? ›
The UAE is a progressive country, which is popular among investors of any gender. Emirati and foreign women have the right to purchase property in the UAE , as well as obtain a mortgage. However, it's important to be acquainted with the local laws to avoid any problems.
Do you have to wear a hijab in Dubai? ›
No, women are not required to cover their hair in Dubai . This might be required at certain religious places, but places that have this requirement usually also offer to borrow appropriate clothing to cover up.
What can you not do in Dubai as a woman? ›
Do Not Dress Inappropriately . In Dubai, women are expected to dress modestly in public areas, including malls, markets, beaches, theatres, mosques, etc. So, even though Dubai is the hub of fashionable clothing, you are not allowed to wear short, tight, skimpy clothes that flash a lot of skin in public spaces.
What is the punishment for harassing a girl in Dubai? ›
Offenders would be jailed for a maximum of one year or fined a maximum of Dh10,000, or both .
Why are Dubai princesses running away? ›
Last July, British newspapers alleged that one factor leading Princess Haya to escape—pushing her over the edge, in effect—was the sheikh's brutal treatment of Princess Latifa, whom Haya had reportedly never even met before Latifa's forced return to Dubai in March 2018.
What is the name of Dubai princess? ›
...
Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 1985)
| Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum | |
|---|---|
| Sheikha Latifa in January 2018 | |
| Born | 5 December 1985 Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Names Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum | |
Who is the missing princess? ›
It reads like a dramatic work of fiction. In 2018, Princess Latifa , the daughter of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, fled to India by boat, hoping to eventually seek asylum in the United States in order to start a new life.
Can a single woman have a baby in Dubai? ›
It is very crucial to remember that it's absolutely illegal for any woman who's unmarried or single to be pregnant while residing in UAE . The consequences of local authorities discovering that any single woman is carrying a baby can include jail and deportation.
Can woman drink in Dubai? ›
The quick answer: yes, as a tourist . One of the biggest misconceptions about Dubai is that you can't drink.
Can you show skin in Dubai? ›
These include spaces like places of worship and shopping malls. Some important points to remember about the dress code in Dubai for men and women are as follows. Clothing should not indecently reveal parts of the body or display offensive images/slogans. Nudity is strictly forbidden .
Can I wear crop tops in Dubai? ›
Crop-tops, skirts, form-fitting dresses are all acceptable in Dubai nightclubs .
Can a woman drive in Dubai? ›
Can women drive in Dubai? Women can drive in Dubai and, in fact, the city offers women-only taxis driven by women. Until recently, Saudi Arabia — the UAE's neighbouring country — was the only nation in the world that had placed a ban on women driving. This was lifted in 2018.
Can you kiss in Dubai? ›
Is it legal to kiss in public? While rare, people have been arrested for kissing in Dubai – it's not a city big on public displays of affection. In fact, outside your hotel room, it's best to avoid anything overtly physical.
Are tattoos allowed in Dubai? ›
Having tattoos is perfectly fine and legal . And if you're asking can you show tattoos in Dubai? Yes you can. Saying that, however, if you have a tattoo that is considered offensive and against the values of the UAE, you may face trouble.
Are you not allowed to kiss in Dubai? ›
“Holding hands for a married couple is tolerated but kissing and petting are considered an offence to public decency ,” it adds. “Public displays of affection, as well as sexual harassment or randomly addressing women in public places, is liable to be punished by imprisonment or deportation.”
What is the punishment for killing in Dubai? ›
Article 384 of the UAE Penal Code states that a person who deliberately kills a human being will be sentenced to life imprisonment . That said, Article 384/2 of the UAE Penal Code further clarifies that if the murder is committed with premeditation and deliberation, death penalty will be imposed.
Is lying a crime in Dubai? ›
Under Article 253 of the Penal Code, any person who provides false testimonies before any authorized judicial authority shall be sentenced to three (3) months of detention .
What happens if you hit someone in Dubai? ›
Assault is considered a violent crime in Dubai. Being accused of assault can result in either a misdemeanor or a felony charge. Either charge will result in jail time, fines, and restitution to the victim, parole and a mark on your criminal record for life .
Is Princess Latifa free now? ›
The sheikh, who is also the prime minister of the UAE, says Latifa was tricked into escaping by criminals who wanted money and that returning her to Dubai was a rescue mission. He has said the princess is safe and well , and that they want to maintain her privacy.
Who owns Dubai? ›
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the 71-year-old billionaire ruler of Dubai and vice-president of the United Arab Emirates. In the Middle East, he is renowned for overseeing the transformation of Dubai into a top business and tourism destination.
Is Dubai still mourning? ›
The 40-day period of mourning started on May 13 and will last until June 22, 2022 .
Why is Dubai so rich? ›
Free trade, a low tax rate, and zero income tax have made Dubai a popular business hub and a wealthy state. Dubai is also the gateway to the East and boasts of the world's highest international passenger flow. It is a world-renowned destination for all travelers, including the rich and famous.
What is the real name of Dubai? ›
...
Dubai.
| Dubai دبي | |
|---|---|
| Emirate | Dubai |
| Founded by | Obeid bin Said & Maktoum bin Butti Al Maktoum |
Who is the richest man of Dubai? ›
Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan .
When was Princess Latifa last seen? ›
The UN says the United Arab Emirates has failed to provide compelling proof that Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum – the missing daughter of Dubai's ruler, last seen in late 2018 – is still alive. The UAE last month said Princess Latifa was being cared for at home by family and medical professionals.
How many lost princesses are there? ›
There are 3 books in this series.
Is Leah still missing? ›
...
| Death of Leah Croucher | |
|---|---|
| Known for | Disappearance |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m) |
Can two men share a bed in Dubai? ›
In Dubai, some hotels may even require two men sharing a room to have an extra mattress added , or they will only allow you to book a room with twin beds. Yes it's sad that in this day and age there exists places where you can't be yourself and sleep with your partner in the same bed.
Can a boy and girl stay together in Dubai? ›
It is pertinent to note that cohabitation of unmarried couples is not a crime anymore in the UAE if there are no objections by their legal guardians . Therefore, if you are living with your girlfriend in the UAE, it may not be considered a crime, and there may be no imprisonment or penalties for cohabitation.
Can I get married in Dubai if I am pregnant? ›
Technically speaking, it is possible for someone who is in the early stages of pregnancy to get married in the UAE but the chances of you risking this in front of local authorities is quite high. It is important to note that its mandatory for every couple to undergo a premarital screening test.
Can you wear shorts in Dubai? ›
Yes, women can wear shorts in Dubai as long as they are not too short . You can wear them at beaches or malls but you should avoid them at local markets and souks. Can men wear shorts in Dubai water parks? It is mandatory in the water parks to wear any kind of swimwear.
What is not allowed in Dubai? ›
Narcotic drugs (all kinds, including poppy seeds, cocaine, hashish, heroin, hallucination pills, etc.) Personal motorised vehicles such as hoverboards, Segways and smart or self-balancing wheels are prohibited with or without batteries as checked-in or carry-on baggage.
Can you smoke in Dubai as a woman? ›
You cannot smoke in a public place in Dubai. The Dubai municipality has restricted smoking at public parks, beaches, and all other recreational areas. However, there are smoking zones in Dubai where you can smoke. Pregnant women are not allowed to enter a shisha cafe in Dubai .
Can you wear makeup in Dubai? ›
Yes, you are allowed to wear makeup .
Can you wear sandals in Dubai? ›
Can you wear flip flops in Dubai? There are no restrictions on shoes. Only in mosques, shoes must be off, so if you're heading there, it would be a good idea to wear socks as well.
Are mini skirts allowed in Dubai? ›
There isn't a particularly strict Dubai airport dress code. Women can wear long dresses, tops, shirts, t-shirts, pants, hoodies, sweaters, and jeans. It's best to avoid wearing any sleeveless shirts, sleeveless dresses, mini-skirts, and short shorts.
Can you cross dress in Dubai? ›
UAE Law on Cross Dressing
The Federal Decree Law No 31 of 2021 on the Issuance of the Crimes and Penalties Law (UAE Penal Code) prescribes a jail sentence of up to 1 year and fines of up to AED 10,000 or either of these penalties if a male disguise himself in a woman's clothing.
Can Emirati woman marry a foreigner? ›
In order to marry an Emirati citizen to a foreigner it is necessary: Obtain a marriage license from the local court. The bride and groom must agree to the marriage. The couple must practice Islam, if one of the partners has recently converted to Islam it must be confirmed.
Why did Princess Latifa run away? ›
Why did she try and run away, and how? Latifa said she wanted to escape Dubai to flee the clutches of her father . She has accused him of mistreating her and her older sister, Shamsa, exerting severe control over their lives, and a series of allegations including murder.
Why did Princess Latifa get kidnapped? ›
She attempted to escape her family in March 2018 by sailing across the Indian Ocean but was brought back to Dubai in what the royal family say was a rescue mission. They claim Princess Latifa had been tricked by criminals who wanted money .
What happened to Princess Shamsa of Dubai? ›
According to the Foreign Office, Sheikh Mohammed himself tried to intervene with the British government over the police investigation. As of August 2021, Shamsa has not been seen in public, 22 years and 3 months after her disappearance .
How many beds does Latifa hospital have? ›
| Latifa Hospital | |
|---|---|
| Beds | 367 |
| Speciality | Women, children |
| History | |
| Opened | 1986 as Al Wasl Hospital |
Is kidnapping illegal in UAE? ›
The UAE Penal Code came into force on and from 2 January 2022 and abrogated and repealed the previously existing Federal Law No 3 of 1987. Under the UAE Penal Code, the act of kidnapping another person is punishable with life imprisonment if any of the conditions as set in Article 395 is met.
How old is Latifa Hospital? ›
Latifa Hospital is a hospital for Women and Children. It is one of the largest maternity and children's hospital in the UAE and was built in 1987 .
Who is Princess Latifa father? ›
The organisers of a campaign to free Princess Latifa, who was captured three years ago trying to leave Dubai by her father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, have disbanded it after the latest photograph of the princess out with friends emerged, and her cousin, the campaign's co-founder, confirmed he had seen her ...
How much did Princess Haya get in divorce? ›
Princess Haya was awarded millions to compensate for property lost when she left Dubai, including 13.5 million pounds for jewelry and what the judge called “the relatively modest sum” of 1 million pounds for clothes .
Where does princess of Dubai live? ›
On 7 January 2012, she gave birth to her second child, Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. She resides in a home in Kensington Palace Gardens.
Who is the Dubai Queen? ›
Beautiful Princess of Dubai - Sheikha Mahra Hobbies, Pets & Lifestyle. This video is about Shiekha Mahra (Mahra Bint Mohammed Al Maktoum).
Is Princess Latifa married? ›
Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (I) (born 1983), Vice President of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, married to Sheikh Faisal Saud bin Khalid Al Qassimi from the royal family of Ras al-Khaïmah.
How was Dubai found? ›
When was Princess Latifa kidnapped? ›
On March 4, 2018 , Princess Latifa, then 32, had been at sea for eight days when the U.S.-registered yacht Nostromo she was traveling on was raided by armed men. They bound her wrists and dragged her off the boat.