Sheikha Mahra Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, daughter of Dubai’s ruler, has publicly announced her divorce on social media just two months after welcoming a baby girl with her husband, Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum.
The announcement on Sheikha Mahra’s verified Instagram account included a declaration stating, “Dear Husband, As other companions occupy you, I at this moment declare our divorce, I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you.”
This repetition of “I divorce you” mirrors the Islamic practice known as triple talaq, as reported by the BBC. While controversial and banned in many countries, this practice traditionally allows husbands to divorce their wives swiftly by uttering the phrase three times.
The post has stirred significant attention and speculation within the UAE, with many residents questioning its authenticity and suggesting that Sheikha Mahra’s social media account may have been compromised. Despite the lack of an official statement from the House of Maktoum, Dubai’s ruling royal family, the announcement has resonated widely across social media platforms.
Support and confusion abound in the comments section of Sheikha Mahra’s post, where followers have expressed solidarity and admiration for her decision, noting her recent marriage and her advocacy for women’s rights. Under UAE law, Muslim men can have up to four wives, provided they offer equal sustenance and treatment to each.
Sheikha Mahra, who graduated from a London university in 2023, is known for her royal lineage and her vocal stance on women’s rights issues. Her public declaration underscores the complexities and debates surrounding personal and legal matters within Dubai’s royal family and society.
