Latifa

Latifa is a feminine given name of Arabic origin. It comes from the root latif, meaning "kind, gentle, pleasant," and is used widely in Arabic-speaking countries as well as among Muslim communities and diaspora populations. Spelling variations include Latifa, Latifah, and Latifeh.

Notable people named Latifa include Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 1983), a member of the Dubai ruling family. In 2018 she was reported to have attempted to flee the United Arab Emirates; she was intercepted and returned to Dubai. The case drew international attention and raised questions about human rights and due process, with authorities providing limited public information about her status.

Beyond individuals, the name Latifa is commonly given in several Arab countries and among immigrant communities around the world. It is often associated with positive traits in Arabic-speaking cultures, reflecting the meaning of the word from which it is derived.