A British human rights lawyer has raised concerns over the disappearance of Zeynab Javadli, the former wife of a nephew of Dubai’s ruler, saying she has not been seen or heard from since Tuesday. According to David Haigh, who has been acting as an advocate for Javadli, contact with her was lost on Tuesday night and her residence in Dubai was later found locked and empty, with no indication of where she may have gone.
Haigh said he last spoke with Javadli shortly before she vanished and described the situation as deeply alarming, noting that neither she nor her three young daughters have been located since. Friends reportedly became concerned after repeated attempts to reach her by phone and messaging apps went unanswered. He added that authorities have so far not provided any explanation about her whereabouts despite repeated enquiries.
Javadli, a former international gymnast who represented Azerbaijan, has been involved for several years in a highly contentious custody dispute with her ex-husband, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The case has included multiple allegations from both sides, with each accusing the other of unlawfully taking custody of their children as arrangements repeatedly changed.
In recent months, Javadli had reportedly been living in fear of arrest and had largely remained at home, believing security officials were monitoring her situation. Her former husband had previously filed a police complaint accusing her of kidnapping their daughters, while she also faced potential legal action in the UAE over alleged online offences after livestreaming parts of a custody confrontation last year. She later said she broadcast the footage because she feared it was her last opportunity to appeal for help and see her children.
Legal representatives for Sheikh Saeed have previously accused Javadli in court of being an unfit parent, alleging that she failed to ensure proper schooling for her children and placed them in unsuitable living conditions. Javadli has rejected all such claims, with her legal team submitting evidence in her defence during custody proceedings.
Haigh compared the situation to previous cases involving members of Dubai’s ruling family, including the case of Princess Latifa, who previously attempted to flee the country and later said she had been held against her will. He has now called for international attention and urged authorities to confirm Javadli’s whereabouts and ensure the safety of her and her children.
The BBC has contacted officials in the United Arab Emirates for comment but has not yet received a response.
