Ex-Wife of Dubai Royal Missing

Former Gymnast Zeynab Javadli Disappears in Dubai

Zeynab Javadli, the former wife of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a nephew of the ruler of Dubai, has been reported missing since Tuesday, according to her British human rights lawyer, David Haigh. Javadli's home in Dubai was found locked and empty, and her mother, who recently arrived in Dubai, discovered the locks had been changed. Neither Javadli nor her three young daughters have been seen or heard from since.

Javadli has been involved in a protracted custody dispute with her ex-husband since their 2019 divorce. She had previously expressed concerns for her safety, believing security officers were attempting to remove her children and potentially arrest her. Last year, her ex-husband filed a police complaint accusing her of kidnapping their daughters. Javadli also faces potential e-crime charges in the UAE for livestreaming a confrontation related to the custody battle.

The disappearance has prompted Haigh to call for international intervention to ascertain Javadli's whereabouts and welfare. He noted similarities to the 2018 disappearance of Princess Latifa, another member of the Dubai royal family, with whom Haigh also lost contact during her attempt to leave the UAE. Dubai authorities have not yet responded to inquiries regarding Javadli's disappearance.