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Dubai custody dispute escalates as ex-wife of ruling family member faces arrest
Zeynab Javadli, the former wife of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum-a nephew of Dubai's ruler-has revealed fears of arrest after her ex-husband filed criminal complaints accusing her of kidnapping their three daughters, aged six, seven, and nine. The dispute, which has intensified in recent weeks, follows years of legal battles over custody since their 2019 divorce.
Livestreamed confrontation sparks legal risks
Javadli's decision to livestream a confrontation on 8 November-when she retrieved her children from a Dubai child protection center-has exposed her to potential charges for online offenses under UAE law. In a video message to her British lawyer, David Haigh, she admitted awareness of the risks but insisted it was her "last chance" to reunite with her daughters, whom she feared she would "never see again."
According to Javadli, the children-who had been with their father for weeks-rushed toward her shouting, "Mama, take us from here!" She claims her exit was blocked by vehicles linked to Sheikh Saeed's associates, prompting the livestream plea. Since then, she has remained confined at home with her daughters, avoiding public exposure due to arrest fears. The girls have not attended school during this period.
Broken agreements and shifting custody rulings
Javadli asserts that a 2022 agreement with Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, granted her custody until the children turned 18, along with housing and financial support. In exchange, she signed a pledge to avoid media appearances or livestreams. However, a subsequent court ruling awarded custody to Sheikh Saeed-though Javadli claims she was verbally assured the original deal would stand.
The stalemate fractured two months ago when, during a scheduled visitation, Dubai police relayed a message from Sheikh Saeed stating the children would not return. Weeks of silence followed, culminating in the 8 November incident. Sheikh Saeed's court filings allege Javadli forcibly removed the children with her driver's help and later posted "defamatory" videos targeting him and the UAE government.
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Parallels to high-profile cases
David Haigh, Javadli's lawyer, draws parallels to other disputes involving Dubai's ruling family. Princess Haya, ex-wife of Sheikh Mohammed, fled the UAE in 2019 citing safety concerns and later secured UK custody of their children. Princess Latifa's 2018 escape attempt ended in her forced return; she later claimed captivity in leaked videos before limited public reappearances.
Haigh argues that while Dubai promotes women's rights, cases like Javadli's reveal "a more complicated reality" for some. Javadli's legal team previously rebutted Sheikh Saeed's claims of her being an "unfit mother," submitting counter-evidence in court.
Official silence and next steps
The BBC's requests for comment from UAE officials involved in the case have gone unanswered. Javadli remains at home with her daughters, while legal proceedings loom. The dispute underscores the challenges of custody battles within Gulf monarchies, where royal family ties can intersect with judicial processes.
