The daughter of Dubai’s ruler shocked the Arab world on Thursday when she appeared to announce on social media that she was divorcing a royal with whom she had recently fathered a child, in a rare move that also mocked outdated Islamic traditions.
The Instagram account of Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (30), the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE, revealed that she has decided to separate from her husband.
“As you are busy with your other mates I hereby declare divorce,” posted the princess, whose family fortune is estimated at $18 million.
“I am divorcing you. I am divorcing you. Take care, your ex-wife,” concluded the message to royal family member Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum.
Makhura’s post appears to be a callout to the controversial tactic that allows a man to instantly divorce his wife by simply declaring it three times.
This practice, known as the “triple refusal,” is despised in many parts of the Islamic world but is still practiced by traditionalists. According to a study from Brandeis University.
The princess’s post has sent shock waves across the UAE, and although the post is still active, many are claiming that the message must be the result of Princess Mahra’s account being hacked.
However, others flocked to support the princess’s apparent decision, thinking it was powerful for a woman of her status to take such a bold step.
“I think it’s empowering when women know their worth and stand up for themselves with confidence,” one supporter wrote.
Mara married her husband in May last year and gave birth to her daughter two months ago.
Since the divorce was posted, photos of Mara and her husband have been removed from her Instagram page and Princess Mara has disappeared from Mana’s social media pages.
The princess, who has around half a million followers on Instagram, has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights in the UAE.
Her mother, Zoe Grigorakos, a Greek national, is separated from the Dubai ruler.
With post wire
