‘Missing’ Dubai princess Sheikha Latifa pictured alive and at home

The United Arab Emirates has released photos of princess Sheikha Latifa who has been missing for months, as friends say she was forcibly returned to Dubai.

The United Arab Emirates says princess Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum, daughter of Dubai’s ruler, is at home and living with her family.

The UAE released the first images of Sheikha Latifa on Monday, months after friends and supporters say she disappeared following commandos storming a boat carrying her off the coast of India after she had fled the Emirates.

Rights groups had called on the UAE to disclose the whereabouts and condition of Sheikha Latifa, following reports in the international media that she was forcibly returned after fleeing the Gulf Arab state.

Princess Sheikha Latifa, daughter of Dubai's ruler, is pictured with Mary Robinson, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Picture: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs/AP

“At the request of the family, on 15th December 2018, Mary Robinson, former United Nations high commissioner for human rights and former president of Ireland, met with Her Highness Sheikha Latifa in Dubai,” the UAE foreign ministry said.

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“Photographs taken during the afternoon they spent together have been shared, with their consent.

During her visit to Dubai, Mary Robinson was reassured that HH Sheikha Latifa is receiving the necessary care and support she requires.”

Princess Sheikha Latifa photographed with Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Picture: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs/AP

It said: “The communique responds to and rebuts false allegations and provided evidence that Her Highness Sheikha Latifa was at home and living with her family in Dubai.”

The ministry said the UAE mission in Geneva shared the statement with the Office of Special Procedures at the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.