Princess Haya of Jordan to Sheikh Mohamad Bin Rashad Al-Maktoum of Dubai: 2004

[bluetortuga]

I hope P. Haya is happy in this marriage. I can't help but think of some similarities between her and Q. Alia. Both mother and daughter acquired men who were already married to someone else. Both basically usurped the previous wife's position. I'm sure the Hashemites encouraged this so that they would be financially set forever. I think he's too old for her. In another 5 years he'll probably be addicted to Viagra just to keep up with his athletic young wife. For her sake, I hope the marriage lasts.

[bluetortuga]

Originally posted by samitude@Apr 10th, 2004 - 6:36 pm
I wonder what King Abdullah and Queen Rania think of all this. King Abdullah looks like he's trying to put on a brave face because he would rather her marry differently.

Even King Hussein divorced his wives or re-married after they died.  I'm feeling for the first wife of this prince. Can you imagine knowing you are either being replaced or are having to "share" your husband? (shudder, shudder, shudder)

Rather, I think King Abdullah's face says "KA-CHING!!!" This is a huge financial windfall for the Hashemites. I don't think he'd stand in the way of that, no matter which wife put out of the way. I know that this is the custom in that part of the world, but I'm disappointed in P. Haya. One day she'll get put out of the way. Or worse, when he dies, his sons may make her life very uncomfortable.

All that good education gone to waste! I never thought she'd settle for the position of homewrecker.

[samitude]

What does his first wife look like?

[mariam]

i think he is married to three wives but only first can work and give children

[AlienCabbage]

Hello to all of you! :flower: Not exactly new on this site, but it's the first time I post a message.

And what a way to start! P.Haya really disappointed me...it's not the fact that the the man is much older than her, but he's already maried with children. I thought she was better than that! what is she now? a second, fourth wife?even if it is a political/financial marriage...In a way I have always admired the JRF, but I think they're going downhill...or maybe they weren't that good to start with! Time to take advice from Q.Noor about stepchildren!

p.s.: ok, so he's older...that really doesn't bother me...however...does anyone else here thinks he is beyond ugly? I know, it's what inside that counts, but still...

[lori]

I think she simply marries for money. Set up for life. what else can you get from an old and ugly guy like that.

[AlienCabbage]

couldn't agree more. after all, horses are very expensive, especially if you don't have a real job...not to mention houses in paris, ireland....still, it's sad to see that she sold herself in such a way...

[sky]

Originally posted by bluetortuga@Apr 10th, 2004 - 8:33 pm
I hope P. Haya is happy in this marriage. I can't help but think of some similarities between her and Q. Alia. Both mother and daughter acquired men who were already married to someone else. Both basically usurped the previous wife's position. I'm sure the Hashemites encouraged this so that they would be financially set forever. I think he's too old for her. In another 5 years he'll probably be addicted to Viagra just to keep up with his athletic young wife. For her sake, I hope the marriage lasts.

The king first met Q.A when she was a baby, so I guess your right about the simlarites things. But the king never had wives at the same time. It is so sad, because Haya was the independent princess, who had a good education, spoke a bunch of languages, anf lived all around the world. I had wanted her to marry Felipe, but Muslim women have to marry an muslim man or they would be disowned right?That is what someone told me. I doubt we will be seening much of Haya now, Not that we really did , but I love the magazine pictures she does. She will prob. start having kids now.I hope they will look like their mother.

[Humera]

So was this a marriage ceremony or an engagement? (like the Petra website says)

Anyway, when I first saw the pictures I simply couldn't believe that she'd marry someone like that. He looks old and unattractive while Haya looks as young and pretty as ever. What a waste!
I simply cant imagine what she must have been thinking. Forget King Abdullah and the others, why didn't Prince Ali speak out against this marriage? What brother would want his sister to end up with a man like that, no matter how rich he is?
I cant help thinking the poor girl would've done a lot better had her parents been alive. And it certainly doesnt say much about Queen Noor. I dont care if she is the stepmother, she should've said something about the match, guided princess Haya perhaps. I dont think she'd let any of her own daughters make such a foolish match.
I honestly feel so very sorry for Haya. But I hope it works out and she'll be happy.

[AlienCabbage]

Humera, I agree with all you have posted, except maybe on prince Ali. I think those two, with both their parents gone, have no-one to safeguard their positions. Haya must have been thinking about that when she married that...thing... yes, if Ali was a brother in the true sense of the word, i'm sure he would oppose the match, but I can't say I don't understand him...reduced to a body-guard, with a terrible reputation...his mother long gone...this must have been like hitting the jackpot for him, because now his sister is richer than the entire family.


however, I still think that Haya should (and could!) have done better!

[royal_sophietje]

Gee............
Haya, what did you done????

[trish79nl]

Oh my god!!!

She is so pretty, and I thought she was also independant and now she marries an old guy!!!

How many wifes does he have and how many children???

It is a waist of such a pretty woman!!! I think maybe the family forced her!!!It is a shame and I always had good hopes for the "liberated" royal family bit they dissapoint me so much!!!!!

[wymanda]

Unlike most of you I can see that Haya & Sheik Mohammed would have a lot in common. His Highness is very involved in horses, especially with thoroughbred racing. The Maktoum's Godolphin Racing & Darley Studs are the most successful in the world.
If I remember correctly Sheik Mohammed also competes in across country horse races (endurance).
The marriage will also ensure Jordan's safety in the Middle East. On the whole an advantageous marriage for all concerned.

[kiarasecretagent]

lol

[bluetortuga]

And it certainly doesnt say much about Queen Noor. I dont care if she is the stepmother, she should've said something about the match, guided princess Haya perhaps. I dont think she'd let any of her own daughters make such a foolish match.

~Humera~ I agree with most of what you said except the point on Q. Noor. P. Haya hasn't wanted much to do with Q. Noor since K. Hussein died. As a matter of fact, on P. Haya former website (teamharmony.net no longer exists), she did not even mention Q. Noor by name once. P. Haya's a big woman and capable of making her own decisions. I don't think P. Haya would have wanted Q. Noor's advice anyway. If I were Q. Noor, and my former step-child treated me like that, I'd allow them go off on their own too.

It doesn't say much for P. Haya allowing herself to be added to Sheikh Mohammed's "collection" of wives, after so much was spent on grooming her to become a modern, independent middle eastern princess. I'm sure there'll be much in-fighting in the Dubai Royal Court because of this marriage. I'm sure P. Haya will now be raised to the high profile position that Sheikha Hind never had; and there will be much bad feelings because of it. "...Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."

[mariam]

Originally posted by trish79nl@Apr 11th, 2004 - 6:05 am

how many children???

Some say 12 some say 16.

[sky]

I don't know how many kids he has but here are ten.

10 children of HH Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum:
Sheik Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Sheik Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Sheik Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Sheik Saeed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum

Sheika Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum
Sheika Sheika bint Mohammed Al Maktoum
Sheika Mariam bint Mohammed Al Maktoum
Sheika Fatima bint Mohammed Al Maktoum
Sheika Salamah bint Mohammed Al Maktoum

[sky]

Haya brother were there.
http://www.petra.gov.jo/photos/2004/101/a20.jpg

[karolinabraganza]

good point: politically, jordan's situation is strengthened within the arab world, it became increasingly difficult for them because of their american connections. but also, dont forget that dubai and the emirates are relatively on good terms with the US.

also: scrolling through images on Getty (search for 'princess haya') i noticed that recent picture show her in traditional cloths with head-scarf etc., whereas earlier pictures show her in western cloths. any thoughts on that?

[bluetortuga]

Originally posted by sky@Apr 11th, 2004 - 8:25 am
Haya brother were there.
http://www.petra.gov.jo/photos/2004/101/a20.jpg

He doesn't look too happy :( P. Haya's uncles, also in the picture don't look too thrilled either. I hope P. Hamzah is not taking tips from S. Mohammed. This marriage is as much a slap in the face to S. Hind as Q. Alia's marriage to K. Hussein was to P. Muna. I can't believe how history has repeated itself. I'm sure Q. Noor is somewhere chuckling at this situation: P. Haya is now a stepmom to 16 kids; she will be living in foreign country without any blood family with her; she's going into a situation where there is probably alot of jealousy; and UAE is a far more conservative society than Jordan. Sounds alot like Q. Noor faced when she married K. Hussein.

At least P. Ali will now have another source of guaranteed income. I think he should consider moving to Dubai, just so that P. Haya could have some blood family around.