The former wife of a member of Dubai's ruling family, Zeynab Javadli, has expressed concern that she could be arrested as her ex-husband has lodged a criminal complaint with local police, accusing her of kidnapping their three young daughters. Since their divorce in 2019, Javadli has been embroiled in a bitter custody battle with her ex-husband Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the nephew of the ruler of Dubai.
The situation has escalated recently as the children have changed hands between the parents multiple times, resulting in accusations of kidnapping from both parties. In an alarming turn, Ms Javadli may also face arrest for alleged online offenses following her decision to livestream a distressing confrontation with her ex-husband. She explained, 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.
Currently, Javadli claims she and her daughters are isolated after taking the children back following a visit with their father. She had previously been granted effective custody under an agreement purportedly made with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, guaranteeing her custody until the children turned 18. However, a recent court ruling has shifted custody to Sheikh Saeed.
Events took a dramatic turn earlier this month when Javadli livestreamed a plea for help after attempting to retrieve her children from a visitation center, only to be confronted by individuals associated with her ex-husband. Despite knowing the risks of violating her agreement with Dubai authorities by going public, she felt she had no choice to ensure her children’s safety.
Javadli has been largely confined to her home with her daughters since the incident, fearing potential arrest. The children, all under the age of ten, have not been attending school during this tense period.
Legal battles in the UAE regarding custody and treatment of women have long been contentious, with past cases shedding light on the complexities and dangers faced by women like Javadli. This case once again raises questions about women's rights and freedoms in a region that often touts itself as progressive while harboring deep-seated challenges.
The situation has escalated recently as the children have changed hands between the parents multiple times, resulting in accusations of kidnapping from both parties. In an alarming turn, Ms Javadli may also face arrest for alleged online offenses following her decision to livestream a distressing confrontation with her ex-husband. She explained, 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.
Currently, Javadli claims she and her daughters are isolated after taking the children back following a visit with their father. She had previously been granted effective custody under an agreement purportedly made with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, guaranteeing her custody until the children turned 18. However, a recent court ruling has shifted custody to Sheikh Saeed.
Events took a dramatic turn earlier this month when Javadli livestreamed a plea for help after attempting to retrieve her children from a visitation center, only to be confronted by individuals associated with her ex-husband. Despite knowing the risks of violating her agreement with Dubai authorities by going public, she felt she had no choice to ensure her children’s safety.
Javadli has been largely confined to her home with her daughters since the incident, fearing potential arrest. The children, all under the age of ten, have not been attending school during this tense period.
Legal battles in the UAE regarding custody and treatment of women have long been contentious, with past cases shedding light on the complexities and dangers faced by women like Javadli. This case once again raises questions about women's rights and freedoms in a region that often touts itself as progressive while harboring deep-seated challenges.
