DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates said on Monday Princess Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum was at home and living with her family.

Her father is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s ruler and the UAE’s prime minister and vice president.

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.

“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.

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

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

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.”

Photos show the two women smiling in what appears to be a home. Sheikha Latifa had previously appeared in a 40-minute video saying she was imprisoned off and on for several years and abused.

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.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2018