Royal split: Princess Mahra announces divorce on social media

Dark clouds hang over the royal couple's marriage from the United Arab Emirates. The daughter of the ruler of Dubai, Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced her divorce on social media. She claims she chose this form of communication because her husband was busy with his companions.

Sheikha Mahra and Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum 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, July 17, 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 uttered by men is called triple talaq and means an immediate divorce. India, as one of the few countries in the world, allowed triple talaq; however, this practice is banned in 22 Muslim countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Saudi Arabia.

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.