A fierce custody dispute involving the ex-wife of a member of Dubai’s ruling family has intensified, with Zeynab Javadli expressing fears of arrest following a criminal complaint from her former husband. Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum has accused her of kidnapping their three daughters, escalating tensions that have plagued their relationship since their divorce in 2019.
The conflict has seen the couple exchanging accusations of abduction, particularly as the children—aged nine, seven, and six—have been moved frequently between them. Ms. Javadli claims she has faced increasing isolation since bringing the girls back home after a visit with their father. She asserts that a custody agreement, supposedly approved by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, guaranteed her custody until the children reach adulthood.
Concerns Over Children’s Wellbeing
Ms. Javadli, who communicated her situation through a video sent to her British lawyer, David Haigh, expressed desperation about her circumstances. In her message, she noted, “I knew it was my last chance to be with my children. I genuinely believed they would never let me see them again, so I opened a livestream and called for help.”
Her livestreamed confrontation occurred during a visit on November 8, 2023, at a child protection center, where she says she was unable to locate her daughters initially. Upon leaving, she encountered them outside, witnessing their distress as they called out for her. Ms. Javadli attempted to take them home but claims that vehicles belonging to her ex-husband’s associates blocked their exit, prompting her to document the situation live.
Despite understanding the potential legal repercussions, including possible charges related to e-crimes, Ms. Javadli felt compelled to act. She had previously signed an agreement prohibiting media interactions, which she now risks breaching in her quest to keep her children safe.
Legal and Emotional Turmoil
The custody arrangement that Ms. Javadli references was reportedly established in 2022, providing her with housing and support while her ex-husband covered educational expenses. However, a subsequent court ruling shifted custody to Sheikh Saeed, leading to what Ms. Javadli describes as a sudden and confusing change in circumstances.
She asserts that reassurances from legal representatives indicated her initial agreement would remain valid, a promise that seemingly evaporated two months ago when she was informed via Dubai police that her daughters would not be returned after a scheduled visitation. Since then, she has remained largely confined to her home, fearful of leaving and concerned for her children’s education and wellbeing.
As the situation unfolds, Ms. Javadli’s claims highlight the complexities of high-profile custody disputes in Dubai’s royal circles. She maintains that her actions stem from a place of deep concern for her daughters, emphasizing that the livestream was her desperate attempt to garner assistance in a precarious situation.
This ongoing custody battle continues to attract attention, reflecting broader issues surrounding parental rights and the legal frameworks governing family disputes in the region.
