The secret deal: Inside the UAE's ransom payment to free Sheikh Ahmed al-Maktoum
Published on: Dec. 7, 2025, 4:41 p.m. | Source: THE WEEK
The UAE ransom for a kidnapped prince involved a reported payment of over $20 million to al-Qaeda's West African branch, JNIM, for the release of Sheikh Ahmed bin Maktoum. This controversial deal, which also included releasing extremist prisoners, has raised significant concerns about funding terrorism and the UAE's diplomatic strategy
