Iraqi diplomat steals towels and cups from Fairmont hotel Amman

Iraqi Diplomatic Advisor Dr. Zaynab Ukla Abd Al-Saedi Accused in Theft Case at Amman Hotel, Embassy Report Says

AMMAN,—An internal embassy report has linked Iraqi Foreign Ministry advisor Zaynab Ukla Abd Al-Saedi to a theft case at the Fairmont Hotel in Amman, according to official correspondence sent from the Iraqi Embassy in Jordan to Baghdad.

The embassy communication, seen by sources, stated that the issue began when a hotel security alarm sounded as Mrs. Abd was preparing to leave. The disturbance drew attention from staff and guests before embassy officials intervened.

The Fairmont management later filed a formal complaint, claiming several items were missing from Abd’s room.

Document: Iraqi diplomat Zaynab Ukla Abd Al-Saedi steals from Fairmont Hotel Amman Jordan, October 2025.

According to the embassy’s note, the missing property included six towels, two bath towels, two glass cups, a wristwatch, and a remote control.

The report said the embassy handled the incident internally to prevent a diplomatic dispute.

The Iraqi Embassy in Amman confirmed that its staff took steps to defuse the confrontation, describing the matter as “unfortunate” and noting that it had caused “reputational harm” to the Iraqi mission. The embassy’s statement was later shared with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad for review.

Dr. Al-Saadi serves as an advisor in Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and previously worked as Head of Conferences and Bilateral Relations at the Consulate General of Iraq in Turkey. The advisory post is among the higher-ranking positions within the ministry.

Abd first drew criticism in early 2023 when she appeared in a video interview at an event in Turkey and mistakenly referred to herself as representing “the Iraqi Consulate of the Republic of Istanbul.” The clip spread across Iraqi media, prompting mockery online and questions about diplomatic standards within the ministry.

The new controversy surfaced in October 2025 when the Fairmont Hotel filed its complaint. Sources said that when Abd was confronted about the missing items, she reacted angrily and cited diplomatic immunity to avoid hotel security procedures. The embassy stepped in shortly afterward, and she was allowed to leave.

A follow-up report sent from the embassy to Baghdad noted that the advisor’s actions had “caused moral and administrative damage” to Iraq’s diplomatic image. The report urged the ministry to consider internal review measures.

Iraqi Diplomatic Advisor Dr. Zaynab Ukla Abd Al-Saedi in an interview. Working at “the Iraqi Consulate at the Republic of Istanbul.” /YT

The episode drew widespread attention in Iraq. News outlets described the event as a “diplomatic embarrassment,” and social media users called for accountability within the foreign ministry.

Commentators said the case reflected ongoing concerns about professional training and oversight in Iraq’s foreign service.

Officials in Baghdad have not confirmed whether an internal investigation has been launched. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue any public comment on the case.

The Fairmont Hotel declined to discuss the incident, while Jordanian authorities have not taken legal action due to the advisor’s diplomatic status, according to the embassy report.

(With files from Agencies)