Zeynab Javadli, the former wife of a senior member of Dubai's ruling family, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has voiced fears of her imminent arrest following a criminal complaint lodged by her ex-husband. The complaint accuses Ms. Javadli of kidnapping their three daughters, escalating a bitter custody dispute that has spanned several years.

The conflict reached a critical point on Tuesday, 25th November 2025, when Ms. Javadli livestreamed a confrontation, an act that could lead to charges under the United Arab Emirates' stringent cybercrime laws. In a video message sent to her British lawyer, David Haigh, she stated, "I knew that it was the last chance to be with my children as they would never let me see them again... I just opened a livestream and called for help." Ms. Javadli, a former Azerbaijani rhythmic gymnast, and her daughters are reportedly isolated in her Dubai home.

The couple, who married in 2015 and divorced in 2019, have been embroiled in legal battles over the custody of their children. This is not the first time the dispute has drawn international attention. In October 2022, Ms. Javadli's lawyers appealed to the UN Human Rights Council for intervention, citing alleged abuse, harassment, and intimidation by UAE authorities. The appeal claimed the judicial process was “blatantly unfair, discriminatory and biased.”

Legal Framework and Human Rights Concerns

The case unfolds within the complex legal landscape of the UAE, where family law is primarily based on Islamic Sharia principles. Under UAE Federal Law No. 28 of 2005, courts prioritize the child's best interests, but the legal framework distinguishes between 'custody' (day-to-day care, often granted to the mother) and 'guardianship' (financial and legal decisions, typically held by the father). For mothers to be deemed fit custodians, they must meet several obligations, including being of sound mind, honest, and not having a serious criminal record. Sheikh Saeed's lawyers have previously argued in Dubai courts that Ms. Javadli is an unfit mother, an accusation she has consistently denied.

Human rights organizations have noted that UAE family laws can be discriminatory against women. A mother can lose custody if she remarries a man unrelated to the child, and historically, custody rights transferred to the father when boys turned 11 and girls 13, though recent reforms are extending this to age 18. Non-Muslim expatriates can, in some cases, request their home country's laws be applied, but this is subject to UAE court approval.

The potential for arrest under cybercrime laws is also significant. The UAE's Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 imposes severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for online offenses such as defamation, spreading false information, and privacy violations, which can include sharing photos or videos without consent. Fines for insulting others online can range from AED 250,000 to AED 500,000.

A Pattern of Royal Disputes

This case echoes other high-profile disputes involving the Dubai royal family. The legal battle of Princess Haya, the ex-wife of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Sheikh Saeed's uncle), concluded in a UK court in March 2022. The British judge found that Sheikh Mohammed had subjected Princess Haya to a campaign of “coercive and controlling behaviour” and “exorbitant” domestic abuse, ultimately granting her sole responsibility for their children's welfare. The court also found Sheikh Mohammed had orchestrated the abduction of two of his other daughters, Princesses Shamsa and Latifa.

Ms. Javadli's lawyer, David Haigh, is also involved in the Free Latifa campaign, highlighting the interconnected nature of these cases. Rights groups like Detained in Dubai have previously stated that members of the royal family often operate with impunity, leaving women with little recourse within the local legal system. As of Wednesday, 26th November 2025, 9:19 AM EAT, there has been no public statement from Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum or the Dubai authorities regarding the latest developments. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.