Zeynab Javadli, the former wife of a Dubai prince, has made a heartfelt plea to the city’s Ruler, claiming she fears leaving her home because she believes her daughters could be taken from her.
The 34-year-old former gymnast says she is desperate to protect her children, all under 10, from what she describes as a dangerous situation.
A Disturbing Livestream Sparks Alarm
Earlier this month, Miss Javadli livestreamed an incident she claims was an abduction attempt by her ex-husband, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whom she divorced six years ago.
The footage shows her apparently trapped in a car with her daughters during a scheduled custody exchange at a Dubai child protection center.
According to her, staff associated with Sheikh Saeed blocked her exit—only stepping aside once they realized she was broadcasting the confrontation online.
Court Rulings and Conflicting Agreements
The couple’s long-running custody battle recently saw Sheikh Saeed granted custody by a judge.
But Miss Javadli insists a 2022 legal agreement with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Saeed’s uncle, overrides that decision.
Under that arrangement, she claims she has the right to retain custody of the girls until they reach 18.
In a video message released exclusively to the Mail On Sunday, she pleaded directly with Sheikh Mohammed to enforce the agreement, describing herself and her children as “under siege and hostages in our home.”
Support from the Ruler and Alleged Abductions
A source close to the family told the Mail that Sheikh Mohammed has provided Zeynab with a villa, car, and a child allowance, while ensuring that Sheikh Saeed had regular access to his daughters—even when it required lengthy travel.
This system reportedly functioned smoothly for three years.
But in September, Zeynab claims, Sheikh Saeed refused to return the children for 40 days, prompting fears of abduction.
During a brief visit to the child protection center in early November, the girls reportedly ran to their mother, begging to leave with her.
When Sheikh Saeed’s staff attempted to block her car, Zeynab livestreamed the confrontation and escaped safely with the children.
Allegations From Both Sides
Court filings paint a bitter portrait of the parental battle.
Zeynab accuses Sheikh Saeed of leaving the children unsupervised, using inappropriate language, depriving them of sleep, and reckless driving.
Sheikh Saeed, meanwhile, alleges that Zeynab disobeyed prior court orders and sought to influence the children with Western customs, risking them being taken abroad without his knowledge.
A Mother’s Plea to the Ruler
In her video message, Zeynab spoke directly to Sheikh Mohammed: “I am beyond desperate and frightened for the safety of my children.
I just want my girls to have a safe, healthy, happy family life with their mother…Please your Highness, help me and my children. Bring an end to this nightmare.
You are the only one who can help us in Dubai.”
A History of High-Profile Family Scandals
The case is the latest in a series of publicized disputes involving members of Dubai’s ruling family.
Notably, Princess Haya, Sheikh Mohammed’s ex-wife, fled the UAE six years ago citing fears for her life and later secured custody of her daughters in London.
Similarly, Princess Latifa posted distressing videos claiming she was held captive by her father in 2021, though she later stated she is now living freely.
Legal Perspective
David Haigh, Zeynab’s British lawyer, described the 2022 custody agreement as “legally watertight.”
He argued that the girls, who have spent most of their lives with their mother, should not be forced to live with someone they barely know.
“To suggest these girls…should now be ordered to live with their father, a complete stranger, is patently absurd,” he said.
What Happens Next
The Mail On Sunday has reached out to Sheikh Saeed’s representatives and Dubai officials for comment.
Meanwhile, Zeynab continues to appeal to Sheikh Mohammed to intervene, hoping to secure her children’s safety and restore stability to their lives.
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