Princess Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum recently made a startling announcement on her Instagram account, garnering widespread public and media interest.
On July 17, 2024, Princess Mahra, a Dubai resident, declared her divorce from Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum.
Her post included the statement, “Dear Husband, As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce.” She continued with, “I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you,” and ended with, “Take care. Your ex-wife, Sheikha Mahra.” The public nature of this divorce proclamation left many royal observers shocked. In Islamic law, a man can divorce his wife by repeating “I divorce you” three times, a privilege not extended to women.
The couple, married in May 2023, had their first child barely two months ago. Princess Mahra recently posted images of her new motherhood journey on social media, including pictures of her baby girl’s small hands and a touching photograph of herself with her newborn. However, her latest announcement indicates an unforeseen termination of their union.
Both Princess Mahra and Sheikh Mana have removed all pictures of each other from their social media profiles and stopped following each other, signifying a distinct digital break. This public disclosure is not common, as personal matters are usually dealt with privately within royal families.
Princess Mahra, born on February 26, 1994, is recognized for her philanthropy and active social media engagement. She promotes women’s empowerment and local UAE designers, holds a degree in International Relations from a London university, and participates in various charitable organizations.
The Instagram post suggests infidelity, as Princess Mahra referenced her husband’s interaction with “other companions.” This allegation has instigated extensive conversation among followers and the media. The high-profile divorce announcement has prompted questions about the cause of their split, with some speculating a potential hack of Princess Mahra’s account. However, no official confirmation of such a claim has been made.
Sheikh Mana has not publicly addressed the divorce, and other members of the Dubai royal family have also refrained from commenting on the matter. The UAE Embassy in London has not provided any statement either.
Princess Mahra’s choice to announce the divorce on Instagram highlights changing royal communication methods in the digital era. According to Vanity Fair, her decision indicates a shift in how royals manage their personal matters, opting for a more transparent and direct approach.
The marriage between the couple was initially greeted with much enthusiasm. Their wedding, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, was an extravagant event attended by several UAE royals. Princess Mahra’s wedding attire, designed by Dubai-based Ezra Couture, was a focal point of the ceremony.
Despite the happiness surrounding their nuptials and the birth of their child, the reasons for the abrupt end of their marriage are speculative. The public is left to interpret the situation based on Princess Mahra’s Instagram post.
This public separation adds to the record of high-profile divorces in the Dubai royal family. In recent years, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s divorce from Princess Haya bint al-Hussein of Jordan, which involved allegations of abuse and custody disputes, drew global attention. Princess Haya’s divorce from Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the complicated dynamics within the Dubai royal family.
The Al Maktoum ruling family has played a significant role in Dubai’s rapid transformation into a global city. Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai, has led substantial economic and infrastructural expansion, turning the emirate into a key business and tourism destination. However, the family has also encountered controversies, especially concerning its treatment of female members.
Princess Mahra’s public announcement has initiated discussions about the pressure and challenges royal women in Dubai face. Sheikh Mohammed’s daughters, Sheikha Latifa and Sheikha Shamsa, have previously tried to escape royal life, alleging mistreatment.
The divorce of Princess Mahra and Sheikh Mana is the most recent in a series of high-profile royal separations that have gained public interest. As this story develops, the royal family’s response to this latest event and its impact on their public persona remain to be seen.