Princess Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum recently used her Instagram platform to share an unexpected personal update, grabbing the attention of the public and media outlets.
The Dubai-based princess announced her divorce from Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum on July 17, 2024.
In her post, she stated, “Dear Husband, As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce.” She continued with the repetition of, “I divorce you,” three times, a traditional method of divorce in Islamic law, typically reserved for men. She ended her post with, “Take care. Your ex-wife, Sheikha Mahra,” leaving many observers surprised.
The couple, who wed in May 2023, recently celebrated the birth of their first child. Princess Mahra had been sharing images of her new life as a mother, including her newborn daughter’s small hands and a touching image of her cradling her baby. However, her latest post suggests a sudden end to their marriage.
Following the announcement, both Princess Mahra and Sheikh Mana have removed all pictures of each other from their social media accounts and no longer follow each other, indicating a definitive online parting. The public nature of this announcement breaks the norm, as royals usually handle personal matters in private.
Princess Mahra, born on February 26, 1994, is known for her charitable work and active presence on social media. She supports women’s empowerment and local designers in the UAE, holds a degree in International Relations from a London-based university, and is involved in several nonprofit organizations.
The Instagram post implies possible infidelity, with the princess referring to her husband’s engagement with “other companions.” This has prompted widespread discussion and raised questions about the reasons for their separation, with some speculating that Princess Mahra’s account may have been hacked. However, there has been no official corroboration of such speculation.
Sheikh Mana has not publicly addressed the divorce, and other members of the Dubai royal family, including the UAE Embassy in London, have not issued any comments.
The choice of Princess Mahra to announce the divorce on Instagram reflects the changing dynamics of royal communication in the digital era, according to Vanity Fair. This signifies a shift in how royals manage their personal affairs, favoring a more transparent and direct approach.
The couple’s wedding, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, was a grand event attended by numerous UAE royals. Princess Mahra’s wedding dress, crafted by Dubai-based Ezra Couture, was a highlight of the occasion.
Despite the happiness surrounding their wedding and the birth of their daughter, the reasons for the abrupt dissolution of their marriage remain speculative. Observers are left to interpret the narrative from Princess Mahra’s Instagram post.
This public separation adds to the list of high-profile divorces 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 disputes. This brought attention to the complex dynamics within the Dubai royal family.
The Al Maktoum family has been pivotal in the rapid transformation of Dubai into a global city. Sheikh Mohammed, as the ruler of Dubai, has led significant economic and infrastructural growth, turning the emirate into a major business and tourism center. However, the family has also faced controversies, notably regarding the treatment of its female members.
The public nature of Princess Mahra’s announcement has triggered conversations 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 constraints of royal life, citing mistreatment.
The divorce of Princess Mahra and Sheikh Mana is the latest in a string of high-profile royal separations that have captured public interest.
