Princess Haya’s Escape and Alleged Surveillance by Dubai Authorities
When Princess Haya bint al-Hussein landed in the United Kingdom in April 2019 with her two children, she may have believed she had finally escaped the influence of her ex-husband, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. However, new revelations suggest she may have been under surveillance through sophisticated spyware linked to Dubai authorities.
Surveillance Allegations and Pegasus Spyware
Shortly after her arrival, Sheikh Mohammed initiated custody proceedings in the UK’s High Court. However, reports indicate that during this period, mobile phone numbers linked to Princess Haya and several of her close associates were added to a system associated with Pegasus spyware, developed by Israel-based NSO Group.
A leaked dataset, obtained by Forbidden Stories and Amnesty International and analyzed by media organizations including The Guardian, suggests that her personal assistant, private security team, and even one of her legal advisers were potentially targeted. Pegasus, a military-grade spyware, can infiltrate mobile devices and extract vast amounts of data.
NSO Group has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that its software is strictly intended for counterterrorism and law enforcement purposes. The company claims it cannot monitor how governments use its software but confirmed that it revoked Dubai’s Pegasus license over human rights concerns.
Sheikh Mohammed’s legal representatives have strongly denied any allegations of hacking. German lawyer Till Dunckel and British lawyer John Kelly dismissed the claims, though they declined to answer specific inquiries.
Breakdown of the Marriage and Alleged Threats
Court documents reveal that Princess Haya’s relationship with Sheikh Mohammed soured following the failed escape attempt of his daughter, Princess Latifa. Haya’s inquiries into Latifa’s well-being allegedly led to a deteriorating atmosphere, with key staff members dismissed and her access to Dubai’s royal court revoked.
She later discovered that Sheikh Mohammed had divorced her under Sharia law on February 7, 2019 — the anniversary of her father’s death — without informing her. Matters escalated when he reportedly accused her of having an affair with her bodyguard, telling her, “I have received bad news about you. I am starting to doubt you.”
Haya described feeling increasingly unsafe, alleging that threatening notes and firearms were left in her bedroom. In March 2019, a helicopter landed outside her residence, with a pilot stating he had orders to transport a single passenger to Awir, a UAE desert prison. Haya managed to defuse the situation with nervous laughter, while one of her children clung to her in fear. Sheikh Mohammed later claimed it was a misunderstanding.
Cryptic Poetry and Escape to the UK
Sheikh Mohammed, a known poet, published verses that seemingly referenced Haya. In Luck Strikes Once, he wrote:
“My spirit is cured of you, girl. When your face appears, no pleasure I feel. Don’t say troublemakers are the ones to blame. It’s your fault, though you’re fairer than the moon …”
A more direct poem, You Lived, You Died, followed in June 2019:
“You, traitor, you betrayed the most precious trust. I exposed you and your games … Let’s see if mischief brings you benefits, I care not whether you live or die.”
By then, Haya had determined she was no longer safe. In April 2019, she fled to England with her children. A month later, she claimed Sheikh Mohammed told her: “You and the children will never be safe in England.”
The Expanding Surveillance List
As Haya settled in London, numbers linked to her security personnel, public relations advisors, and legal representatives began appearing in the Pegasus-linked dataset.
Among them was Martin Smith, CEO of Quest, the private security firm protecting Haya, along with its director of investigations. Also on the list were Shimon Cohen, a communications advisor, and renowned horse racing trainer John Gosden, a close friend of Haya.
A lawyer from a London-based firm advising Haya was also listed. The firm declined to comment but requested that the individuals involved remain anonymous.
The Pegasus Project investigation suggests the dataset reflects persons of interest to an NSO Group client, though it remains unclear whether actual hacking attempts were made.
Princess Haya has not commented on the allegations.
