04.06.2026 07:00
It has been claimed that Zeynab Javadli, the former wife of the nephew of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has been detained by Dubai police along with her three daughters. Her British lawyer David Haigh stated that there has been no news from Javadli and called for urgent intervention from the United Nations. While a long-running custody dispute lies at the center of the allegations, no official statement has yet been made by Dubai Police or her ex-husband Sheikh Saeed.
Zeynab Javadli, who remained on the agenda for a long time due to her marriage to a member of the Dubai royal family, is alleged to have disappeared along with her three children. David Haigh, the lawyer of Javadli, the former wife of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, stated that he has been unable to reach his client and her children.
Haigh said he last spoke to Javadli a day ago, after which all communication ceased, describing the situation as extremely concerning.
"NIGHTTIME RAID ON HER HOME" The British lawyer claimed that Dubai police raided Javadli's home during the night and took the former princess consort and her three daughters away.
Haigh stated, "I believe Dubai police and state security forces raided Zeynab's home and took her and her children." Haigh also reported that Javadli's mother went to Dubai to support her daughter but found the home locked, and alleged that the mother was not allowed to leave the country.
Zeynab Javadli had shared a heartbreaking video when she lost the custody case for her three daughters. CUSTODY CASE AT THE CENTER OF CONTROVERSY At the center of the incident is a long-standing custody case. Two months ago, a Dubai court ruled that Javadli must hand over her three daughters to their father, Sheikh Saeed, with the court decision including a statement that it could be enforced "by force if necessary." Javadli, in her previous statements, argued that she was fighting to retain custody of her children and was under pressure.
SHE HAD SOBBED FOR HELP In a video message released in April, the former national gymnast said she feared Dubai police would take her children away. Speaking tearfully, Javadli stated that she had received notifications that her home could be raided and her children forcibly taken due to court orders.
Zeynab Javadli and Sheikh Saeed with their eldest daughter, Sana. The photo was taken in 2018, 7 years ago. ALLEGATIONS ABOUT THE ROYAL FAMILY BACK IN SPOTLIGHT The Javadli case has also brought back to the agenda controversial allegations about the Dubai royal family from previous years. Previously, Sheikh Mohammed's ex-wife Princess Haya left the country and sought asylum in the UK, while his daughter Princess Latifa claimed in released videos that her freedom was restricted.
URGENT CALL TO THE UN David Haigh stated that Javadli has initiated legal action with the United Nations, calling on international organizations for urgent intervention. Meanwhile, according to a Daily Mail report, Dubai Police and Sheikh Saeed's lawyer were asked for comments on the allegations, but no official statement has been made yet.