The ruler of Dubai, one of the most high-profile leaders in the Middle East, and his estranged wife are beginning a court battle in London over the welfare of their children.

Axar.az reports citing BBC.

Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum's wife, Princess Haya Bint al-Hussein, is the third female member of his court to run away from the United Arab Emirates.

This month she was reported to be in hiding in London in fear for her life.

The UK court case centres on their children, with whom she fled.

Princess Haya asked the High Court on Tuesday for wardship of her children, as well as a forced marriage protection order and a non-molestation order.

According to the Gov.uk website, the first order protects people who are in forced marriages, while a person can apply for the second order if they are a victim of domestic violence.

The princess, who was born in Jordan and educated at private schools in Britain, is an Olympic equestrian and the half-sister of the current Jordanian ruler, King Abdullah II.