Dubai Ruler’s Nephew’s Ex-Wife Held in Custody, Prosecutors Confirm

Authorities have confirmed that Zenab Javadli, the former spouse of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum—a nephew of Dubai’s ruler—is currently in detention. The Dubai Public Prosecution informed the BBC that the arrest was initiated following a formal complaint filed by her ex-husband, who is the father of their three children.

Sheikh Saeed alleges that Javadli kidnapped their children during a visitation session that had previously been approved by the court. This development comes after Javadli’s family and friends expressed alarm upon losing contact with her late Tuesday night. For nearly 48 hours, there were no updates regarding her location or the whereabouts of the children.

Prior to her detention, Javadli reportedly had remained indoors for months, fearing that security personnel were positioned to seize her children and arrest her. Legal tensions between the couple have persisted for some time; last year, Sheikh Saeed filed a police report accusing Javadli of abducting their daughters. This accusation followed a period of intense back-and-forth between the parents, with each party accusing the other of kidnapping.

Javadli, a former international gymnast, also faces potential prosecution for cybercrimes under UAE law. This legal risk arose after she broadcasted a confrontation with her ex-husband via livestream last year. Addressing British human rights lawyer David Haigh, who has been supporting her case, Javadli explained her decision to go live. "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," she stated at the time.

During recent custody hearings, lawyers representing Sheikh Saeed argued that Javadli is an unfit mother. They claimed she neglected to enroll her daughters in school, kept them in an inappropriate hotel setting, and endangered the health of the youngest child.

In a statement released Thursday evening, the Dubai Public Prosecution affirmed that the case is still under investigation and subject to ongoing legal processes. "We will continue to take the necessary legal measures in accordance with applicable laws, while safeguarding the children's wellbeing and best interests," the prosecution stated.

Responding to the detention, lawyer David Haigh urged the United Arab Emirates to immediately release Javadli back to her home in Dubai. He called for authorities to grant her immediate access to her legal counsel, her family, and her consulate.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-04 21:34:49 UTC