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Dubai’s runaway princesses
Dubai may have a reputation as an ultramodern place with an indoor ski hill, the tallest building in the world, and beautiful beaches, but for years the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, has been accused of abusing women — including his own daughters.
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The Sheika Kept Prisoner (with Heidi Blake)
In 2018, Sheika Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, the daughter of the ruler of Dubai, attempted a daring escape to international waters, away from what she characterized as a dangerous and oppressive life among her family. She was captured and brought back to the United Arab Emirates, and though there have been public statements saying…
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Dark Dubai: Sheiks, Escapes and Runaway Princesses
When the Sheik of Dubai’s daughters tried to escape their father, world powers turned a blind eye. But investigative reporter Heidi Blake was determined to document their plight. Writing for the New Yorker last year, Heidi unraveled the disturbing story of Emirati princesses Latifa and Shamsa, and how Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum crushed…
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The Dubai princesses who risked it all to run away
Sheikha Latifa was born into incredible privilege as the daughter of the leader of Dubai, but she and her sister risked everything to escape years of alleged abuse at the hands of their father. Heidi Blake explores the story in her new podcast The Runaway Princesses.
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Longform Podcast #540: Heidi Blake
Heidi Blake is a writer for The New Yorker and the author of two books. She discusses her latest article, “The Fugitive Princess of Dubai,” with Evan Ratliff on this episode.
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The Fugitive Princesses of Dubai
As the emirate’s ruler espoused gender equality, four royal women staked their lives on escaping his control.