Princess Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has recently shared a surprising update on her Instagram account, capturing significant public interest and media attention.
On July 17, 2024, Princess Mahra, who resides in Dubai, announced her divorce from Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum.
In her post, she wrote, “Dear Husband, As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce.” She followed with, “I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you,” concluding with, “Take care. Your ex-wife, Sheikha Mahra.” This public declaration has left many royal watchers stunned. In Islamic law, a man can divorce his wife by repeating “I divorce you”, three times. It is not an option that can be used by women.
The couple, who married in May 2023, welcomed their first child just two months ago. Recently, Princess Mahra shared intimate moments of her new life as a mother on social media, including photos of her daughter’s tiny hands and a heartfelt image of herself cuddling her newborn. Despite these joyful posts, the recent announcement signals an unexpected end to their marriage.
Both Princess Mahra and Sheikh Mana have since deleted all images of each other from their social media accounts and have unfollowed each other, indicating a clear digital separation. The public nature of this announcement is unusual, as matters of personal significance are typically handled privately within royal circles.
Princess Mahra is well-known for her philanthropic work and active social media presence. Born on February 26, 1994, she advocates for women’s empowerment and local designers in the UAE. She holds a degree in International Relations from a university in London and has been involved in numerous charitable organizations.
The Instagram post hints at infidelity, with Princess Mahra mentioning her husband’s involvement with “other companions.” This accusation has led to widespread discussion among followers and media. The high-profile divorce announcement has raised questions about the reasons behind their split, with some speculating about a possible hack of Princess Mahra’s account. However, there has been no official confirmation of such a claim.
Sheikh Mana has not made any public statements regarding the divorce. Similarly, other members of the Dubai royal family have remained silent on the matter. The UAE Embassy in London has not responded to requests for comment either.
Princess Mahra’s decision to announce the divorce via Instagram underscores the evolving dynamics of royal communication in the digital age. According to Vanity Fair, her choice reflects a shift in how royals manage their personal lives, embracing a more open and direct approach.
The couple’s marriage initially met with much fanfare. Their wedding, celebrated at the Dubai World Trade Centre, was a grand affair attended by numerous UAE royals. Princess Mahra’s wedding dress, designed by Dubai-based Ezra Couture, was a highlight of the event, capturing the fairy-tale essence of the occasion.
Despite the joy surrounding their wedding and the birth of their daughter, the reasons behind the sudden dissolution of their marriage remain speculative. The public has been left to piece together the narrative from Princess Mahra’s Instagram post.
This public split adds to the history of high-profile separations within the Dubai royal family. In recent years, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum faced international scrutiny during his divorce from Princess Haya bint al-Hussein of Jordan, which involved allegations of abuse and custody battles. The divorce of Princess Haya from Sheikh Mohammed brought attention to the complex dynamics within the Dubai royal family.
The ruling Al Maktoum family has long been influential in shaping Dubai’s rapid development into a global city. Sheikh Mohammed, as the ruler of Dubai, has overseen significant economic and infrastructural growth, transforming the emirate into a major business and tourism hub. However, the family has also faced controversies, particularly regarding the treatment of its female members.
The public nature of Princess Mahra’s announcement has sparked discussions about the pressures and challenges faced by royal women in Dubai. Sheikha Latifa and Sheikha Shamsa, daughters of Sheikh Mohammed, have previously attempted to escape the confines of royal life, citing mistreatment.
The divorce of Princess Mahra from Sheikh Mana is the latest chapter in a series of high-profile royal separations that have captivated the public’s attention. As this story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the royal family will address this latest development and what impact it will have on their public image.
