The $30 million custody battle turns deadly

The ex-wife of a Dubai prince, Zeynab Javadli, has been 'abducted' by the emirate's police, along with her three children, in a move that has left her British lawyer, David Haigh, 'gravely concerned' for their safety.

Haigh revealed that Javadli was warned in court papers two months ago that she risked 'coercive force' if she did not abandon her bid for custody of her children .

The warning was issued by the Dubai Courts, which also ordered police to snatch back Javadli's three young daughters and deliver them to their father, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Haigh stated that Javadli's human rights have been 'systematically abused' by the authorities in Dubai,and that she has been living in a state of 'extreme and systematic abuse' behind closed doors.

An echo of Sydney's 2024 institutional buy-up

The move by Dubai Police to 'abduct' Javadli and her children is reminiscent of the 2024 institutional buy-up in Sydney, where a similar pattern of abuse was reported.

In that case, a group of women and children were 'snatched' by the authorities and delivered to their powerful benefactors, sparking widespread outrage and calls for reform.

Haigh stated that Javadli's case is 'yet further evidence' that women and children in Dubai are 'simply not safe' and are treated as 'possessions, not as human beings with rights'.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

Haigh has called for the United Nations to intervene in the case and provide protection for Javadli and her children.

He also stated that he believes Dubai Police, UAE state security, and forces acting on the orders of ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attacked Javadli's home in the middle of the night on Tuesday 2nd June 2026 and took her and her young children.

The case has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for an investigation into the abuse of Javadli and her children.

Tehran's two-track response

The UAE government has yet to comment on the case, but Haigh has stated that he will be pressing the United Nations for immediate intervention and the protection of Javadli and her children.

The case has highlighted the need for greater international scrutiny of human rights abuses in the UAE and the need for greater protection for women and children in the region .