Inside Princess Haya's Royal Marriage To Sheikh Mohammed, Scandal Leading To UK's Costly Divorce

Princess Haya of Jordan, the daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan and Queen Al, garnered a lot of limelight after she fled to Dubai in 2019. Following this, Princess Haya got divorced from her husband and the present ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in 2021. Earlier, this year in August 2025, the princess made her first appearance after her controversial separation from Sheikh Mohammed.

Princess Haya is currently living in London with her two children, a daughter named Sheikha Jalila and a son named Zayed. During her first appearance after her publicised divorce from Sheikh Mohammed, the princess was seen presenting the award to Jessica Burke along with her daughter, Sheikha Jalila. But do you know that Princess Haya of Jordan fled to Dubai in fear for her life? Yes, you read it right. So, without further ado, let’s dive deep in to know more about Princess Haya and her fairytale-like married life resulting in an ugly divorce.

Who are Princess Haya and her husband, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?

Princess Haya bint Hussein was born in 1974 to King Hussein of Jordan and Queen Alia. However, tragedy touched her when she was three years old. The little princess lost her mother, Queen Alia, who died in a helicopter crash. Despite this loss, Haya grew up under the guidance and strong legacy of her father, who was highly admired and respected for his leadership skills in Jordan. She received her education in the UK. Before enrolling at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford, Princess Haya attended the Badminton School and Bryanston School.

After her enrollment at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford, she studied Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) and graduated in 1995. In 1999, another major turning event occurred in Haya’s life. Her father and the ruler of Jordan, King Hussein, passed away due to health complications. Following his death, her half-brother, King Abdullah II, ascended the throne of Jordan. King Abdullah II was the son of King Hussein and his ex-wife, Muna Al Hussein. Meanwhile, King Abdullah II’s half-sister, Princess Haya, also made her name in the sports world.

A passionate equestrian, Haya represented Jordan in show jumping at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, making it a proud moment for her nation. Besides sports, Princess Haya has dedicated her life to humanitarian and social causes. In 2003, she founded the NGO Tkiyet Um Ali to fight hunger and poverty. The organisation now support over 30,000 Jordanian households. In 2012, she was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the World Organisation for Animal Health. Later, she also advanced healthcare and education in the UAE as Chairperson of Dubai Healthcare City Authority and President of the UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council.

It is noteworthy to mention that Princess Haya is Jordan’s first woman to earn a heavy vehicle license. Haya later married Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the present ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. He is a billionaire and has an estimated net worth of USD 4.5 billion. He owns the world-renowned Godolphin horse racing stables. He maintains long-standing ties to the British royal family and even attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022. His real estate portfolio in the UK is reportedly worth over £100 million, which is USD 127 million. 

Coming to his personal life, Sheikh Mohammed has six wives and 26 children. Princess Haya was his sixth wife. Among his 26 children, his son, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, is the Crown Prince of Dubai and is the designated heir to the throne. His daughter, Shaikha Mahra Mohammed Rashed Al Maktoum, also drew global attention in 2024 after announcing her divorce publicly on Instagram. Sharing an explosive post on July 18, 2024, Mahra addressed her husband, Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum and wrote:

"Dear Husband, as you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce. I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you. Take care. Your ex-wife."

Princess Haya tied the knot with the current ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in an intimate royal ceremony

On April 10, 2004, Princess Haya of Jordan tied the knot with the present ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, at Al Baraka Palace in Amman in an intimate royal ceremony. Haya, the youngest and sixth wife of Sheikh Mohammed, looked elegant in an intricately embroidered white gown, and draped her dark hair with a sheer white veil. The guests who attended the couple’s marriage were Haya’s half-brother, King Abdullah II, his wife, Queen Rania, and her father’s ex-wife, Muna Al Hussein. 

Princess Haya's dramatic escape from Dubai after a scandal

In May 2019, Princess Haya’s marriage to Sheikh Mohammed fell apart when the former fled to Dubai with her two children, seeking safety in the UK. Haya claimed she was 'in fear for her life' after her husband, reportedly, became upset over her growing closeness to her British bodyguard. For the uninitiated, Princess Haya allegedly had a two-year affair with a British bodyguard. According to a report by BBC, even after moving to London, Haya received threatening messages from her husband that could be read as:

"We can reach you anywhere."

Princess Haya of Jordan’s divorce from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum became one of the UK’s divorce settlements

Princess Haya’s divorce from her husband, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was finalised in December 2021, after a high-profile UK court case. The judge described the Sheikh’s actions as a 'campaign of fear, intimidation, and harassment' resulting in abuse. The final settlement awarded to Princess Haya was £554 million, equivalent to around USD 734 million, the highest ever in the history of the British family court. Following his gruesome actions, Sheikh Mohammed also lost legal custody of his two children, Sheikha Al Jalila and Sheikh Zayed.

What are your thoughts on the highly publicised divorce of Princess Haya and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum? Let us know.

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