In an unprecedented move for a member of the Dubai royal family, Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has publicly announced her divorce from her royal husband via Instagram. This declaration marks a rare occurrence of such personal matters being shared openly on social media within the United Arab Emirates.
On Wednesday, Sheikha Mahra, daughter of UAE Prime Minister and Dubai ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, took to her Instagram account to reveal her decision to end her marriage. The post read, “I hereby declare our divorce. I divorce you, I divorce you, and I Divorce You. Take care. Your ex-wife.”
This announcement appears to reference the triple divorce practice, a controversial tradition in some Muslim-majority countries where a man can dissolve a marriage by declaring divorce three times. Although traditionally used by men, this practice has rarely been invoked by women.
Sheikha Mahra, 30, married Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, a member of the same ruling family, last year in a high-profile ceremony featured in Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Grazia. The couple welcomed a daughter shortly after. Since the announcement, photos of the princess with Sheikh Mana have been removed from her Instagram account, and there are no images of her on Sheikh Mana’s account either.
Known for her active presence on social media and frequent appearances at high-profile events in Dubai, Sheikha Mahra boasts nearly half a million Instagram followers. Her posts typically include updates on her hobbies, such as equestrian activities, charitable work, and personal selfies. Sheikha Mahra’s mother, Zoe Grigorakos, is a Greek national.
Following the announcement, some Instagram users speculated that her account may have been compromised. However, both the post and the account remain intact.