Ex-wife of Dubai ruler's nephew arrested in custody dispute

Zeynab Javadli, the former wife of a nephew of Dubai's ruler, has been taken into custody in the United Arab Emirates amid a protracted custody battle. Prosecutors confirmed her detention on Friday following a complaint filed by her ex-husband, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The sheikh accused Javadli of abducting their three children during a court-approved visitation session. Dubai Public Prosecution stated that the matter is currently under investigation and subject to ongoing legal proceedings. The details surrounding the alleged abduction remain unclear.

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Dubai Public Prosecution confirms that Ms. Zeynab Javadli has been taken into custody, following a complaint filed by the father of her three children alleging that she abducted the children during a court-approved visitation session.

Javadli, an Azerbaijani former international gymnast, has previously used social media to plead for help. Since late 2025, she has posted several Instagram updates detailing her daughters' situation, accusing her ex-husband of taking them away. The legal battle highlights the complexities and emotional toll of international custody disputes.

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The matter remains under investigation and is subject to ongoing legal proceedings.