Netizens react as Dubai princess Sheikha Mahra’s Instagram account announces divorce

Dubai princess Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed, the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, appears to have announced her divorce on social media.

The verified Instagram account of Sheikha Mahra carries a post that reads: “Dear Husband … As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce. I divorce you, I divorce you, and I Divorce You … Take care … Your ex-wife.”

The post has been going viral on social media. Netizens from across the globe have been continuously commenting on the post. By July 18 (5:30 pm UAE time), the post had already collected over 132,930 likes and at least 17,820 comments.

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A post shared by Shaikha Mahra Mohammed Rashed Al Maktoum (@hhshmahra)

Dubai Princess’s post on divorce goes viral

Some of the most popular comments on Sheikha Mahra’s post include:

“Sending love! You deserve the best.”

“When a strong woman knows her worth. Mashallah”

“I find it empowering when a woman recognises her worth and confidently stands her ground.”

“Setting up the example to stand for right. More power to you.”

“Your happiness is not negotiable.”

“This is not the beginning of a new chapter in your life … This is the beginning of a new book … Congratulations.”

Post potentially uses Islamic practice of triple talaq

So far, there have been no public comments from Sheikha Mahra’s husband, Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed, or her father. The Dubai princess’s account seems stripped of images of his husband, and the same seems to be true for Sheikh Mana’s account.

The popular post potentially uses the Islamic practice of triple talaq. The practice has been banned in several countries, but usually lets husbands quickly divorce their partners by repeating “I divorce you” three times.

The couple got married in April 2023 in an extravagant ceremony. The reception took place in June and they further celebrated their honeymoon in Mykonos. In May 2024, they welcomed their first child and hosted a grand gender reveal party earlier in February.