In a move that has taken the public and media by storm, Princess Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum took to Instagram to announce her divorce from Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, on July 17, 2024. Princess Mahra, who lives in Dubai, made her decision public on the social media platform.
“Dear Husband, As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce,” she wrote in her Instagram post. She then uttered the Islamic divorce phrase three times: “I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you,” and signed off with, “Take care. Your ex-wife, Sheikha Mahra.” This left followers and royal observers surprised, as typically, a woman cannot use this method of divorce in Islamic law.
The couple got married in May 2023 and had their first child just two months prior to the divorce announcement. Princess Mahra had been sharing images of her new motherhood journey on Instagram, including pictures of her newborn daughter and the intimate moments they shared. Regardless of these joyful posts, the recent announcement indicates a sudden end to their marriage.
In the wake of the announcement, both Princess Mahra and Sheikh Mana removed all photos of each other from their respective social media profiles and stopped following each other. This digital separation is a clear indication of their divorce. This public announcement is a departure from the norm as personal matters of such significance are usually handled privately in royal families.
Princess Mahra, born on February 26, 1994, is recognized for her philanthropy and active online presence. She is an advocate for women’s empowerment and local designers in the UAE. She holds an International Relations degree from a London university and is involved in many charitable organizations.
Her Instagram post alluded to her husband’s involvement with “other companions,” which has led to widespread speculation among followers and the media. The divorce announcement has prompted questions about the reason behind their split, with some speculating about a possible hacking of Princess Mahra’s account. However, no official confirmation of such a claim has been made.
Sheikh Mana has yet to comment publicly on the divorce. Likewise, no members of the Dubai royal family or the UAE Embassy in London have commented on the matter.
According to Vanity Fair, Princess Mahra’s decision to announce her divorce on Instagram signifies a shift in royal communication in the digital age, marking a more open and direct approach.
The couple’s wedding, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, was a lavish event attended by many UAE royals. Princess Mahra’s wedding dress, designed by Dubai-based Ezra Couture, was a highlight of the event. Despite the initial joy of their wedding and the recent birth of their daughter, the reasons for their sudden split remain speculative.
This public divorce adds to the series of high-profile separations within the Dubai royal family. In recent times, international attention was drawn to the divorce of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum from Princess Haya bint al-Hussein of Jordan, which involved allegations of abuse and custody disputes. This brought focus to the complex dynamics within the Dubai royal family.
The ruling Al Maktoum family has played a significant role in Dubai’s rapid transformation into a global city. Sheikh Mohammed, as the ruler of Dubai, has overseen significant economic and infrastructural growth, turning the emirate into a major business and tourism center. However, the family has also faced controversies, particularly concerning the treatment of its female members.
Princess Mahra’s public announcement has initiated discussions about the pressures and challenges faced by royal women in Dubai. Previously, Sheikha Latifa and Sheikha Shamsa, daughters of Sheikh Mohammed, attempted to escape royal life, alleging mistreatment.
The divorce of Princess Mahra and Sheikh Mana is the newest addition to a series of high-profile royal separations that have caught the public’s attention. As events continue to unfold, it remains unclear how the royal family will respond to this development and its impact on their public perception.
