On Thursday, the Boeing 747-400F owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Emir of Dubai, landed at Palma Airport.
The plane was on the tarmac for some three hours before taking off. It was believed to be heading for Miami. It had presumably stopped over to take on fuel, but there was mystery as to the circumstances of the flight.
No official explanation was given, but it is known that the plane, which was acquired in 2010 and carries no visible markings, is used to transport the Emir's racehorses. It was possible, therefore, that horses were being moved because of concerns about their safety.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is also the prime minister and vice-president of the UAE. His horseracing interests are very well known. He was the founder of Godolphin, which has stables in Newmarket.
Government-owned enterprises he has launched include the Jumeirah Group. The Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa was recently sold to DHH Port Soller, S.L.U., a company belonging to the international investment group Dubai Holding LLC.