Introducing The Runaway Princesses, from In the Dark
Jan 30, 2024
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Heidi Blake, a New Yorker staff writer, joins In the Dark to tell the story of Dubai's royal women who risked everything to escape the brutality of Sheikh Mohammed. Explore the opulent lifestyle of the ruler, allegations of sexual assault and political interference, and the disturbing secrets revealed by a former chauffeur.
The podcast explores allegations of abuse and cover-up in Dubai's royal family, revealing attempts by women within Sheikh Mohammed's family, including his own daughters, to escape his control.
The podcast highlights Sheikh Mohammed's opulent lifestyle, his transformation of Dubai into a global city, and his significant financial investments in the US and Britain.
Deep dives
Allegations of Abuse and Cover-Up in Dubai's Royal Family
The podcast episode explores allegations of abuse and cover-up in Dubai's royal family. It begins with a case involving a sex worker who reported being held captive and abused by a member of Dubai's ruling family. However, the case was allegedly dropped due to political interference to protect the valuable relationship between the British government and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. The episode delves into the wealth and power of Sheikh Mohammed, his influence on Dubai's development, and his connections to world leaders. This investigation uncovers not only exploitation of sex workers but also attempts by women within Sheikh Mohammed's family, including his own daughters, to escape his control.
Glimpses into Sheikh Mohammed's Lifestyle and Opulence
The podcast also provides insights into Sheikh Mohammed's lavish lifestyle and opulence. It highlights how he transformed Dubai from a small fishing village into a global city with iconic skyscrapers, man-made islands, and extravagant amenities. Sheikh Mohammed, one of the world's wealthiest individuals, is known for his endurance horse racing and extensive racehorse ownership. He has valuable relationships with powerful figures, including the late Queen of England. Furthermore, the episode uncovers his significant financial investments in the US and Britain, making him one of Britain's biggest private landowners.
Testimonies from Former Employees and Disturbing Allegations
Through interviews with former employees, the podcast reveals unsettling stories. Jura Sinabad, a former chauffeur, claims to have transported groups of young women to Sheikh Mohammed's estate, where he suspected they were involved in activities they weren't happy about. Sinabad recounts instances where women appeared distressed and even encountered a woman covered in bruises who had apparently tried to escape and was subsequently beaten by a member of Sheikh Mohammed's staff. These testimonies shed light on the mistreatment of women within the Dubai royal family.
The wives and daughters of Dubai’s ruler live in unbelievable luxury. So why do the women in Sheikh Mohammed’s family keep trying to run away? The New Yorker staff writer Heidi Blake joins In the Dark’s Madeleine Baran to tell the story of the royal women who risked everything to flee the brutality of one of the world’s most powerful men. In four episodes, drawing on thousands of pages of secret correspondence and never-before-heard audio recordings, “The Runaway Princesses” takes listeners behind palace walls, revealing a story of astonishing courage and cruelty.
“The Runaway Princesses” is a four-part narrative series from In the Dark and The New Yorker. To keep listening, follow In the Dark wherever you get your podcasts or via this link: https://link.chtbl.com/itd_f