Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – The UAE Prime Minister, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, denied in a statement received by CNN what he described as the “allegations” contained in the rulings issued by the British judiciary regarding his case with his ex-wife. Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, stressing that he loves his two sons from the Jordanian princess and has always given them attention and care, following the British judiciary ruled that Princess Haya has custody of their two children.
And the statement issued on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stated: “He loves his two sons and cherishes their love for him, and he has always looked following and supported them, and he will always do so,” according to the statement.
The statement issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid added: “He maintains his denial of the allegations made in these malicious judicial procedures, and asks the media to respect the privacy of his two sons and not to interfere in their personal lives,” according to the statement.
Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein had expressed her hope that the page of the judicial procedures would be closed following the ruling issued, Thursday, by a British court granting her the right to custody of her two children, Al Jalila and Zayed, from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Princess Haya issued her first statement in her name since leaving the UAE and settling in Britain in 2019, announcing “the end of the long judicial procedures.” She said, “I did not use my voice publicly during the judicial proceedings, out of respect for the court, and to protect my family,” and sent letters of thanks to several parties for their support during that period.
Princess Haya thanked her brother, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and said: “I have always wanted to express my great gratitude to His Majesty King Abdullah II, my dear brother, for what you have demonstrated to my esteemed sons and Zayed during this ordeal. Always safe in the protection of the warm Jordanian embrace here in Britain despite the complex challenges and difficult circumstance, and I will always be grateful for the support of my brother, His Royal Highness Prince Ali, and all members of my Jordanian family,” she said.
Princess Haya described the past years as a “frightening journey”, as she put it, and praised the “exceptional protection, sympathy and safe haven in England”, noting that this had a significant impact on strengthening her and her two children’s faith in “the enduring strength of humanity and justice.” .
Princess Haya also thanked: the Family Affairs Division of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales, the CAFCASS Advisory and Support Team, staff in the British Courts of Justice and the British Judiciary, her baroness Baroness Fiona Shackleton and her team of lawyers from Payne Hicks Beach.
Princess Haya spoke regarding the years of her life in Dubai, saying: “One of the things I was most proud of in my life was to be part of the story of the early days of the United Arab Emirates, and to consider Dubai my country and the home of my children for many years, and the love and respect we experienced from people from all walks of life. Life has warmed our hearts, we will never forget you, and we are all grateful for the happy memories that we will focus on to keep them alive in our hearts. You will always remain in our prayers and supplications.
She added, “I will continue to raise our children to respect the values, cultures and traditions of their countries and to be proud of their heritage. They will always be proud of their roots and will strive to contribute to the world in a positive way in all ways as educated, honest and kind children from royal families.”
Princess Haya described her two children, Al Jalila and Zayed, as “the most courageous souls, who faced all difficulties and challenges with dignity, faith and renewed determination to become kinder and more humble, and with insistence on love, dedication and contribution to a better world,” as she put it.
Princess Haya emphasized that she and her two sons are not “tools used to divide,” adding, “As my father, King Hussein bin Talal, taught us, we will continue to carry the traditions of peace in our family that we are proud of and that bring people together and build bridges in the Middle East and with the West,” she said.
The Jordanian princess concluded her statement by saying: “My sons and I pledge to remain committed to our firm belief in goodness, good-heartedness and humanity. We will remain true to the covenant.”
