⚠ URGENT ALERT, Zeynab Javadli, ex-wife of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, and her three young children: read our plea for urgent international intervention
Who We Are

Independent, unafraid, effective.

The independent, UK-based human rights watchdog on Dubai and the wider UAE, investigating, documenting and publicising the abuses others won't.

Dubai Watch is a UK-based human rights watchdog that alerts, informs and advises tourists, expatriates, businesses and investors on the facts, risks and dangers associated with travelling to, living in, investing in and doing business in Dubai, the wider UAE and the Gulf region. We are the watchdog Dubai would rather you didn't read.

We investigate, document and publicise abuses that too often go unreported, particularly those involving business people, foreign investors, women and children, political prisoners and the justice system itself. Our team brings together human rights advocates, qualified legal experts, journalists and researchers united by one mission: transparency and accountability in one of the world's most opaque regions. We are based in London and operate independently of any government, NGO or organisation.

Our Founders

Independent, unafraid, effective.

David Haigh

David Haigh

Human rights lawyer, crisis manager, writer & broadcaster, and co-founder of Dubai Watch. A survivor of 22 months' arbitrary detention in Dubai, he has spent the decade since getting others out, as lawyer to Princess Latifa Al Maktoum, in support of Princess Haya's High Court case, and today standing with Zeynab Javadli and her three daughters. Founder of Detained International, he speaks at the United Nations, acts as an expert witness on UAE justice, Interpol abuse and extradition, and appears regularly across the UK media. He is, by reputation, the lawyer Dubai has most reason to fear, because he wins.

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Aisha Ali-Khan, co-founder of Dubai Watch

Aisha Ali-Khan

Women's rights campaigner, academic and writer, and co-founder of Dubai Watch. She has spent her career advocating for women and children facing abuse, guardianship laws and cross-border custody injustice in the Gulf, and works alongside victims, journalists and policymakers to expose abuses and bring them to account.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Dubai Watch?

Dubai Watch is an independent, UK-based human rights watchdog on Dubai and the wider UAE. We alert, inform and advise tourists, expatriates, businesses and investors on the facts, risks and dangers of travelling to, living in, investing in and doing business in Dubai, the UAE and the Gulf.

Who founded Dubai Watch?

Dubai Watch was co-founded by human rights lawyer, crisis manager and broadcaster David Haigh and women's rights campaigner Aisha Ali-Khan.

Can Dubai Watch help me if I am in trouble in the UAE?

Yes. If you or someone you know has suffered injustice in Dubai or the wider UAE, you can contact us in confidence at info@dubaiwatch.org. Where formal legal representation is needed, we connect people with specialist support through our partner organisations.

Does Dubai Watch help with Interpol Red Notices?

Yes. Co-founder David Haigh is a leading authority on challenging and lifting abusive Interpol Red Notices and on preventing extraditions to Dubai and the wider UAE.