Instagram account of Dubai princess announces shock divorce

The daughter of the most powerful man in the UAE has invoked a practice banned in some Islamic countries to divorce her new husband.

The daughter of Dubai’s ruler appears to have announced her divorce on social media – just two months after she welcomed a baby girl with her husband.

In a post shared on the verified account of Her Highness Sheikha Mahra Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the 30-year-old said she was ending her marriage to husband Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum.

There has been no official comment from the House of Maktoum, the royal family that rules Dubai and which Sheikha Mahra comes from.

The post read: “Dear Husband... I hereby declare our divorce, I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you.”

The verified Instagram account of a Dubai princess has announced her shock divorce. Picture: Instagram/hhshmahra

‘I divorce you, I divorce you, I divorce you.’ Picture: Instagram/hhshmahra

Sheikha Mahra’s repetition of the statement “I divorce you” is seemingly her using the Islamic practice known as triple talaq, the BBC reported.

The practice has been banned in many countries, but usually allows husbands to swiftly divorce their wives by saying “I divorce you” three times.

“Take care. Your ex-wife,” the post, shared to her Instagram grid, added.

The princess’ shock post has sent shockwaves through the UAE, with many residents of the Muslim country speculating that Sheikha Mahra’s account could have been hacked.

She married last May and welcomed a daughter two months ago. Picture: Instagram/hhshmahra

Many have flooded the comments section to share their support as well as their confusion, noting Sheikha Mahra only married her husband last May.

“You deserve the best darling,” one said.

“Beautiful Arab women deserve respect and love,” another added.

As someone else declared: “I find it empowering when a woman recognises her worth and confidently stands her ground.”

Under UAE law, a Muslim male may have four wives, provided he offers equal sustenance and equal treatment to all.

Sheikha Mahra is the daughter of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and the prime minister of the UAE, making him the head of his nation’s government.

The sheikha graduated from a London university in 2023.

She’s also an outspoken advocate for women’s rights.

Originally published as Instagram account of Dubai princess announces shock divorce