"Why am I being attacked? Is it because I'm a successful woman, or because I'm a Muslim, or because I'm an Arab?", writes the princess in an open letter published by, among others, Eurodressage and reported on by some Swedish media.
In February, the horse show announced that a collaboration had begun with Al Shira'aa Stables as the new main sponsor. At the same time, the show officially changed its name to Al Shira'aa Falsterbo Horse Show.
Strong reactions
The reactions were strong from several quarters. Exhibitors at the event no longer wanted to be associated with the show, which is held every year in July. Additionally, a long-time sponsor jumped ship.
The collaboration also received extensive media attention, where the princess's connections to the power elite in the United Arab Emirates were highlighted. The collaboration was also linked to Sharia laws, oppression of women, horse abuse, and sportswashing.
In March, the collaboration was terminated.
"The hatred and various threats that have been directed against Al Shira'aa, against H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bint Zayed Al Nahyan, against me personally and my colleagues have been beyond all reason", wrote Jana Wannius, the competition's chairman, in a press release.
"A dark side"
Fatima bint Hazza bint Zayed Al Nahyan believes she has been mistreated and misunderstood. In her statement, she writes:
"My life's mission has been to bring back professional riding to the people. This is the heart of Al Shira'aa, and that's why we chose Falsterbo: for its history, its identity, its soul – and its land. A land that I never imagined would be portrayed as the exact opposite of what it claims to stand for. I don't think or don't think that everyone in Sweden is like this – I'm not generalizing or even suggesting it. But the media has shocked me with their inhumane, cruel, racist, and sometimes violent depictions of Al Shira'aa and myself."
She continues:
"I thought this nation would be proud to receive support from someone outside, someone who deeply respects foreign cultures, heritage, and history. But instead, a dark side was revealed – one marked by rising hostility, nationalism, and hatred."
