Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, daughter of Dubai’s ruler and UAE Prime Minister, has made headlines with an unexpected announcement on her Instagram account: a declaration of divorce. This move is unprecedented for a princess in the United Arab Emirates, where such matters are typically private and handled discreetly.
In a message posted on Wednesday, Sheikha Mahra’s Instagram stated, “I hereby declare our divorce. I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you. Take care. Your ex-wife.” This statement notably references the controversial practice of triple divorce, traditionally used by men in some Muslim countries to instantaneously dissolve their marriages. However, its use by women is rare and often legally contentious in various jurisdictions.
Sheikha Mahra had married Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, also a member of Dubai’s ruling family, in a high-profile ceremony last year, extensively covered by magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Grazia. The couple has a daughter together. Following the Instagram announcement, photos of her with her husband have been removed from her account, and there are no recent images of her on Sheikh Mana’s own Instagram profile either.
Known for her active presence on social media, Sheikha Mahra has nearly half a million followers on Instagram, where she shares updates about her interests, including hobbies, charitable endeavors, and personal moments. Her public visibility, including appearances at Dubai’s prominent events and magazine covers, is uncommon for female royals in the region. Reports indicate her mother is Zoe Grigorakos, a Greek national.
The sudden and public nature of the divorce announcement initially prompted speculation among Instagram users about whether her account had been compromised. Despite these speculations, both the post and her account remain active more than a day after its publication. CNN sought comment from the Dubai government’s Media Office, which directed inquiries to Sheikha Mahra’s media office. However, attempts to contact her media representatives have so far been unsuccessful. Neither the UAE government nor Sheikh Mana has issued public statements regarding the Instagram post. CNN also reached out to Sheikh Mana for comment through his Instagram account.
This development has sparked widespread discussion about the evolving role of social media in the lives of public figures, particularly members of royal families. Some observers view Sheikha Mahra’s use of Instagram as a platform for such a personal matter as indicative of a trend towards greater transparency and personal agency among royals. Others, however, express concerns about potential repercussions and the authenticity of the announcement.
As the public and media await further developments and official statements from involved parties, the situation surrounding Sheikha Mahra’s Instagram announcement continues to unfold, leaving many intrigued and uncertain about the future implications for the royal couple.
