A Brave Dubai Princess Declares A Divorce

And how a London High Court saved her half-sisters from child marriages

The Dubai ruler with his former wife, Princess Haya. And I believe, their daughter.

Happy Monday!! And happy 11^th birthday to Prince George! Looking back, I’m sure his tenth year will be a marker, because of Kate’s illness. Another reason to be thankful, that she’s doing so well. When I see Kate’s pictures now, taken for the children’s birthdays, I also see a triumph. So many tried to ruin these special moments that are loved by the public. I was truly surprised by how many thought she would stop this tradition. But, she carried on and did not waiver. She had done nothing wrong and she knew it. Another reason we love her!

Credit: POW

World news, not just royal, has been filled with the mysterious divorce of a Dubai princess, Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. She is the daughter of the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Her husband also descends from the ruling family of Dubai, they are distant cousins. His name is Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. They are newly married, having hosted a lavish wedding just over a year ago, and welcomed their first child, a daughter, in May 2024.

Six days ago, Mahra posted a message on Instagram to her husband, accusing him of adultery and declaring a divorce. Repeating three times, “I divorce you”, with the final one in capital letters for emphasis, “I Divorce You”. Repeating this phrase three times is a Muslim practice called triple talaq or triple repudiation. Although outlawed in some countries, the practice of repeating this phrase three times, allows Muslim men to immediately separate from their wives. But, it is not allowed from women. Her post was written in English and received over 50,000 comments. At first, many thought it wasn’t real. However, both Mahra and her husband, Mana, have deleted all posts about each other and unfollowed. On Saturday, Mahra posted a picture holding her daughter, while admiring a beautiful picture of a horse. You can find her Instagram @hhshmahra.

When I first heard this news, I was shocked. And very worried for Mahra, I still am. I had never heard of Mahra before, but I am very acquainted with her Father and how he has treated many of his daughters. Mahra is one of the Dubai ruler’s 26 children, from approximately seven wives. Mahra’s Mother is a Greek national, Zoe Grigorakos. I believe there are multiple pictures of her Mother on her Instagram and Mahar has referred to her as “my everything”.

In 2019, the then wife of the Dubai ruler, Princess Haya, fled to London, seeking legal protection for herself and her two daughters, aged 11 and 8. These daughters are half-sisters to Mahra. Their Father had made an arranged marriage agreement for the oldest daughter, aged 11, to marry the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. (Yes, the prince who planned the murder and dismemberment of the journalist, Jamal Khashoggi. Yes, the prince who gave Meghan the blood earrings, which she wore, shortly after Khashoggi’s death.) I believe the marriage was to take place when she turned 13.

I have always wondered if the British Royal Family helped Princess Haya with her case in the family division of the High Court in London.