New image shows Dubai ruler's 'missing' daughter Sheikha Latifa in Spain

A recent photograph allegedly showing Princess Latifa at Madrid Airport emerged on Instagram on Monday, the latest in a series of images posted after the UN asked for proof the Emirati royal was still alive.

The image was posted on the social media platform on an account belonging to a woman that the British media identified as Sioned Taylor, a former Royal Navy service person. It showed the two women standing side-by-side, wearing masks, near the airport tarmac.

A caption under the image read: "Great European holiday with Latifa. We're having fun exploring!"

In the comment section, the account's handler responds "well spotted" to a question over whether the picture was taken at Madrid's Barajas airport.

The New Arab is unable to verify the latest photograph or confirm when it was taken.

Last month, the same account published two pictures purportedly showing Sheikha Latifa - one in a restaurant and another in a Dubai shopping mall.

According to the BBC, friends of Latifa have said they recognised the two women seen in the mall image, and that the royal is acquainted with them.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sioned (@shinnybryn)

The UN human rights office has asked for evidence about Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum's daughter in February after the BBC aired a video shot by Latifa saying she was being held captive and feared for her life.

Sheikh Mohammed is the vice president and prime minister of the UAE, of which Dubai is one of the seven emirates.

His 35-year-old daughter made an unsuccessful attempt to flee the UAE in March 2018, escaping by boat with the help of friends before being hauled back. She has not been seen in public since then.

A London-based group that has campaigned for Latifa’s freedom said the recent release of the photographs was encouraging.

"We say we are pleased to see Latifa seemingly having a passport, travelling and enjoying an increasing degree of freedom, these are very positive steps forward," said David Haigh, co-founder of the Free Latifa campaign.

"I can also confirm that several of the campaign team have been contacted directly by Latifa," he added in a statement.

In February, Dubai's royal family released a statement insisting Latifa was being "cared for at home".

"Her family has confirmed that her highness is being cared for at home, supported by her family and medical professionals.

"Sheikha Latifa continues to improve and we are hopeful she will return to public life at the appropriate time."