A state-owned newspaper in the United Arab Emirates reported that two maids from Sri Lanka have been charged with theft over allegedly stealing from a Dubai palace belonging to a member of the city-state's ruling family.

The National newspaper of Abu Dhabi reported the two maids did not attend a Tuesday court hearing over the charges, the Associated Press said.

According to the newspaper report, one of the maids allegedly stole jewelry and three mobile phones from the palace in March, allegedly at the urging of two other maids. The third maid has fled the UAE.

The newspaper didn't identify the defendants or the member of the ruling family who owned the palace in question.

(With inputs from AP)