Photo Of Dubai Princess Sheikha Latifa In Spain Emerges After UN Shows Concern

Dubai Princess Sheikha Latifa: A picture on Instagram reportedly showing Sheikha Latifa at Madrid's airport appeared on Monday after the United Nations asked for evidence to confirm that the Emirati royal was still alive.

The latest photo in a series emerged after the UN human rights office asked for evidence in February about Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum's daughter. The concern arose after the BBC aired a video shot by Latifa herself claiming that she had been held captive.

According to AFP, the latest photograph hasn’t been verified and the date it was taken is still unknown.

Latifa’s picture was published on Monday by a woman, who was identified as Sioned Taylor by the British media. The woman is a former Royal Navy member and she appeared standing next to the Dubai princess near an airport tarmac.

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

However, the Dubai authorities did not respond immediately to the requests for comment on the photograph.

Earlier, two pictures that purportedly showed Sheikha Latifa - one in a restaurant and another in a Dubai shopping mall- were shared on the same account.

According to the BBC, Latifa’s friends have claimed that they recognised the two women seen in the mall image as well as confirmed that they are acquaintances of the royal.

A London-based group, who initiated the Free Latifa campaign for the alleged captive’s freedom, called the release of the photographs encouraging.

David Haigh, the co-founder of the group, said that they are pleased to see Sheikha Latifa “seemingly having a passport, travelling and enjoying an increasing degree of freedom” and acknowledged this as “positive steps forward”.

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

Previously, in February, Dubai's royal family issued a statement declaring that the 35-year-old woman 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," it read.

Who is Sheikha Latifa?

The Emirati princess Sheikha Latifa is a member of the Dubai Royal Family and daughter of Sheikh Mohammed, the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates.

In March 2018, she made an unsuccessful attempt to flee the emirate, escaping by boat with the help of friends before being hauled back. After the incident, she wasn’t seen in public.