Turbulence in Dubai's royal family: Sheikha Mahra announces divorce
Dark clouds hang over the royal couple's marriage from the United Arab Emirates. The daughter of the ruler of Dubai, Sheikha Mahra bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has announced her divorce on social media. She claims she chose this form of communication because her husband was preoccupied with his companions.
Sheikha Mahra and Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum were married in April 2023. In 2024, the couple announced the birth of their daughter.
However, the idyllic reports from the royal family’s home in the United Arab Emirates end there. On Wednesday, 17th July, the sheikha announced on social media that she was divorcing her husband.
Her message starts with "Dear husband." She explains that her husband doesn't have time for her, hence choosing this form of communication. She repeats three times: "I divorce you". She ends with: "Your ex-wife".
In Far Eastern culture, this formula, when uttered by men, is called triple talaq and signifies immediate divorce. India, as one of the few countries in the world, has allowed triple talaq; however, this practice is banned in 22 Muslim countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Saudi Arabia.
The BBC reports that all joint photos have been removed from the couple’s private accounts. Although there were speculations that Mahra’s account might have been hacked, the station emphasizes that there is no official evidence.
The Dubai government and the United Arab Emirates embassy in London have not yet commented on the matter. Sheikha Mahra’s husband, Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, and her father have also not publicly commented.
