UAE expels Moroccan Prince over criticism of Gulf State monarchies

The authorities in the UAE have expelled Moroccan Prince Moulay Hicham, a cousin of the Moroccan King, because of his criticism of the Gulf leaders’ attempts to undermine the Arab Spring.

The French newspaper Le Monde Diplomatique had published an article where Prince Hicham expressed his opinions about the Arab Spring. Moroccan electronic newspaper Le360.ma, which is close to the royal family, reported the news of the Prince’s expulsion.

Prince Hicham’s article in the French newspaper appeared under the title “The Arab Spring has not said its final word.” In his analysis of the Arab Spring, he criticised the position of the Gulf State leaders, who have been doing their best to undermine the outcomes of the revolutions.

Le360.ma reported that: “The comments of Prince Hicham around the Arab Spring angered the monarchs of the Gulf states, who said they would not accept the dual speech of the Prince.”

The Gulf States further criticised the Prince for introducing himself as a reformist who is critical of the Gulf monarchies in the Western media, while he has been continuously seeking to get benefits from officials in these countries.

The electronic newspaper noted that the Prince was asked to close the Abu Dhabi offices of his investment firm Al Tayyar Energy and to leave the country.

The Moroccan Royal Palace did not deny the news about the Prince’s expulsion.

Prince Hicham currently resides in the United States and, different to other princes, is interested in human rights. He is a member of Human Rights Watch and publishes articles about democracy in the Arab world. He has been known for making investments into renewable energy sources.

Moroccans call Hicham “the Red Prince” because of his critical political views.