Custody Dispute Involving Dubai Royal's Ex-Wife
Background
Zeynab Javadli, former wife of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai's ruling family, has expressed concern regarding potential arrest. This follows a criminal complaint lodged by her ex-husband with local police, accusing her of kidnapping their three daughters. The couple, divorced in 2019, has been engaged in a custody dispute, which has intensified recently with multiple changes in the children's guardianship, each parent alleging kidnapping by the other.
Ms. Javadli also faces potential charges for e-crimes related to a livestream she conducted during a recent incident. She stated in a video message to her British lawyer, David Haigh, that she understood the risks involved in her public actions. She explained her motivation, saying, "I knew that it was the last chance to be with my children as they would never let me see them again. I genuinely believed that it was my last chance, so I just opened a livestream and called for help."
Ms. Javadli delivered her statement from her residence in Dubai, asserting that she and her three daughters have remained there since she reunited with them after a period spent with their father. She maintains that prior to this, she had effective custody under an agreement reportedly reached in 2022 with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.
Alleged Agreement and Court Ruling
This agreement, Ms. Javadli claims, stipulated her custody until the children reached 18 years of age, provision of a residence, and other support, with their father covering schooling expenses. Her lawyer, David Haigh, stated that Ms. Javadli had reportedly signed documents as part of this agreement, which included provisions against speaking to the media or conducting livestreams regarding her situation. Although a subsequent court ruling granted custody to Sheikh Saeed, Ms. Javadli asserts she was assured that the arrangement with Dubai's ruler would not be impacted. This situation reportedly persisted until approximately two months ago.
Recent Events and Concerns
Ms. Javadli states that approximately two months prior, during a scheduled visitation of the children with Sheikh Saeed, she received a message via Dubai police indicating the children would not be returned that day. She reportedly had no contact for several weeks thereafter. On November 8, she was granted a three-hour visitation at a child protection center.
Upon her arrival, she claims her children were not present inside the facility. As she exited the building, she states she observed them, and they reportedly approached her, shouting, "Mama, take us from here!" She instructed her driver to secure the vehicle and transport them home. However, she alleges their vehicle was impeded by cars associated with her ex-husband's personnel. At this point, she initiated a livestream, appealing for assistance.
She acknowledged the potential consequences of breaking the reported agreement with UAE authorities, including arrest, but maintained it was her only available action. Since this incident, she has remained at her residence with her children due to concerns about potential arrest. The three daughters, aged nine, seven, and six, have not been attending school.