The former wife of a member of Dubai’s ruling family has expressed concerns about her potential arrest following a criminal complaint lodged by her ex-husband, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Zeynab Javadli, who divorced the senior royal in 2019, is currently embroiled in an intense custody battle over their three daughters, aged nine, seven, and six. Tensions have escalated recently as both parents have accused each other of kidnapping their children.
In a video message sent to her British lawyer, David Haigh, Ms Javadli revealed her fears and the circumstances that led her to livestream a recent confrontation with her ex-husband. “I knew it was my last chance to be with my children,” she stated. Her actions were driven by a belief that she and her daughters would be permanently separated.
Background of the Custody Dispute
Ms Javadli claims that she has been isolated with her daughters since taking them back after a period spent with their father. She asserts that an arrangement made in 2022, which she believed was sanctioned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, granted her custody of the children until they turned 18. Under this agreement, she received housing and financial support for the children’s education, while Sheikh Saeed was to cover their schooling costs.
Despite this arrangement, a subsequent court ruling granted custody to Sheikh Saeed. Ms Javadli alleges that she was assured by relevant authorities that her previous agreement would remain valid until changes suddenly occurred two months ago. During what was intended to be a routine visitation, she claims to have received a message from Dubai police stating that her children would not be returned to her.
On November 8, 2023, a visitation was scheduled at a child protection centre, but when Ms Javadli arrived, her daughters were missing. She described an emotional reunion as the girls reportedly ran towards her, pleading, “Mama, take us from here!”
Livestreaming the Confrontation
In a desperate attempt to secure her daughters’ safety, Ms Javadli instructed her driver to lock the car doors and leave the premises. However, she alleges that vehicles belonging to her ex-husband’s associates obstructed their escape. Aware of the potential repercussions, she began livestreaming the encounter, risking breach of her signed agreement that prohibited communication with the media.
Since that confrontation, Ms Javadli has remained at home with her daughters, fearing arrest and the possibility of being separated from them again. Throughout this period, she has reported that the children have not attended school. She maintains that her actions stemmed from genuine concern for their well-being, asserting that the livestream was her only means of seeking help in a precarious situation.
As this custody battle continues to unfold, the implications for Ms Javadli and her daughters remain uncertain. The case highlights the complexities and challenges faced by families navigating legal disputes, particularly within the context of high-profile individuals.
