Ex-wife of Dubai ruler's nephew in custody, prosecutors say

The ex-wife of a nephew of the ruler of Dubai has been taken into custody, authorities have said, as a custody battle over their three young daughters deepens.

Dubai Public Prosecution told the BBC that Zenab Javadli was detained following a complaint made by the father of her three children - her former husband, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Javadli's family and friends had lost contact with her since Tuesday night and had raised the alarm over her whereabouts.

For almost two days, no news was received as to where Javadli or her children had gone.

For months, she had barely left the house as she believed security officers were waiting to take her children from her and put her under arrest.

According to Dubai Public Prosecution, her ex-husband has alleged she abducted the children during a court-approved visitation session.

Last year, he lodged a complaint with the police accusing her of kidnapping their daughters.

That was after the children changed hands between their parents several times, with each accusing the other of kidnap.