An unexpected update from Princess Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on her Instagram account has drawn significant public and media attention.
On July 16, 2024, the Dubai-based Princess Mahra, 30, announced her divorce from Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, 25.
Her post stated, “Dear Husband, As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce.” She continued, “I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you,” and concluded with, “Take care. Your ex-wife, Sheikha Mahra.” This public declaration has left royal observers shocked. In Islamic law, a man can divorce his wife by repeating “I divorce you”, three times. However, women do not have this option.
Just a year after their marriage in May 2023, and only two months after their first child’s birth, Princess Mahra’s announcement signals a sudden end to their relationship. Despite sharing tender moments of her new motherhood on social media, the recent revelation suggests a different narrative.
Both Princess Mahra and Sheikh Mana have erased all images of each other from their social media accounts and have stopped following each other, signalling a distinct digital break. This public announcement is atypical, as personal matters are usually kept private within royal circles.
Princess Mahra, born on February 26, 1994, is recognized for her philanthropic work and active social media presence. She champions women’s empowerment and local UAE designers. She earned a degree in International Relations from a London university and has worked with numerous charitable organizations.
Speculations are rife about possible infidelity following Princess Mahra’s mention of her husband’s “other companions” in her Instagram post. This high-profile divorce announcement has led to widespread discussions and raised questions about the reasons behind their split. Some are questioning the authenticity of the Instagram post, suggesting a possible hack, but there has been no official confirmation.
Neither Sheikh Mana nor other members of the Dubai royal family have commented publicly on the divorce. The UAE Embassy in London has also not responded to requests for comment.
The decision of Princess Mahra to announce the divorce through Instagram reflects the changing dynamics of royal communication in the digital age. According to Vanity Fair, her choice signifies a shift in the management of personal lives by the royals, favoring a more open and direct approach.
Their wedding, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, was a grand event attended by numerous UAE royals. The wedding dress of Princess Mahra, designed by Dubai-based Ezra Couture, was a standout feature, embodying the fairy-tale aspect of the occasion.
Despite the initial celebrations surrounding their wedding and the birth of their daughter, the reasons for their abrupt separation remain speculative. The public is left to interpret the situation from Princess Mahra’s Instagram post.
This incident adds to the list of high-profile splits within the Dubai royal family. In recent years, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum faced global scrutiny during his divorce from Princess Haya bint al-Hussein of Jordan, which involved allegations of abuse and custody disputes.
The Al Maktoum family, with Sheikh Mohammed as the ruler of Dubai, has played a significant role in transforming Dubai into a global city. Despite their contributions, the family has also faced controversies, particularly concerning the treatment of its female members.
The public nature of Princess Mahra’s announcement has initiated conversations about the pressures and challenges royal women in Dubai face. Both Sheikha Latifa and Sheikha Shamsa, Sheikh Mohammed’s daughters, have previously tried to escape the confines of royal life, alleging mistreatment.
The divorce of Princess Mahra from Sheikh Mana is the latest in a series of high-profile royal separations that have intrigued the public. As the situation continues to evolve, the royal family’s response to this development and its impact on their public image remain to be seen.