Sheikha Mahra, the princess of Dubai, is back in the headlines after the official confirmation of her engagement with Moroccan-American rapper French Montana. The news of their engagement broke during Paris Fashion Week, where the now-engaged couple celebrated this new chapter with close friends.
French Montana’s engagement to Sheikha Mahra has sparked global attention after months of rumours about them dating. The engagement comes barely a year after Mahra’s dramatic split from her ex-husband, Sheikh Mana Al Maktoum. After her dramatic separation announcement, the princess of Dubai also launched her now-iconic perfume line, ‘Divorced’.
Mahra and Montana’s engagement has reignited interest in her high-profile divorce from Sheikh Mana last year. Here’s a closer look at the princess of Dubai’s royal background, her past marriages, and how they helped shape the woman she is today.
Who is Sheikha Mahra?
Sheikha Mahra, short for Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the daughter of the ruler of Dubai and the UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Zoe Grigorakos, who has Greek heritage. Born in 1994, Sheikha has made a name for herself with her intelligence, glamorous lifestyle, and numerous philanthropic initiatives. She has long been one of Dubai’s most followed royals on social media.
Before she became Sheikha Mahra, the Dubai princess went by the name Christina. She completed her studies in International Relations in London before returning to her homeland and taking up roles in various community development projects. In April 2025, she changed her name to Xtianna.
Beyond her royal duties, the 31-year-old diva is also a successful entrepreneur. Much like her father, Sheikha Mahra is also recognised for her philanthropic work and commitment to humanitarian causes. In 2021, she served as the royal family’s key ambassador at the Community Development Authority of the Government of Dubai. Much of her effort goes to supporting underprivileged children and uplifting vulnerable communities.
Sheikha Mahra’s royal marriage to Sheikh Mana
When Sheikha Mahra tied the knot with another Dubai royal, Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, in 2023, it was a global spectacle. The wedding, dripping in opulence, marked the iconic union of two branches of Dubai’s royal Al Maktoum family.
Sheikha Mahra and Sheikh Mana got legally married in April 2023 and had a lavish wedding ceremony in May of the same year. The white-themed wedding, held at the Zabeel Hall of the Dubai World Trade Centre, was a vision to behold, together with Mahra’s dazzling Ezra Couture gown and a huge 7-tier cake.
Princess Sheikha Mahra’s royal wedding is largely reported to have cost a staggering USD 50 million. The newlyweds honeymooned in Mykonos and frequently posted about their romance that looked nothing short of a fairy tale. Days after their marriage, the couple welcomed a daughter, Mahra bint Mana Al Maktoum, in May 2024.
Why did Sheikha Mahra divorce her ex-husband?
While everything looked like a glittering fairytale in Sheikha Mahra and Sheikh Mala’s marriage, it fell apart not long after the couple welcomed their daughter. At its heart, Mahra’s split with Sheikh Mana was rooted in trust and betrayal. In July 2024, Mahra shocked her followers when she publicly announced her divorce on social media.
Taking to her Instagram, the Dubai princess directly accused Sheikh Mana of infidelity. Her brief yet highly impactful message, which challenged the Islamic practice of triple talaq, read:
“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.”
Mahra’s bold move made headlines worldwide, with many praising her for the courage she showed by walking away from a troubled marriage. She has since received even more widespread attention for her personal life.
After publicly announcing her divorce from Mana Al Maktoum, Sheikha launched her very own brand, Mahra M1, and a perfume line. Not only that, she named its inaugural product ‘Divorce,’ and the bottle was priced at USD 272. Well, Sheikha clearly knows how to turn her emotions into business.
Who is Sheikha Mahra’s ex-husband, Sheikh Mana Al Maktoum?
Sheikh Mana comes from the extended Al Maktoum dynasty. He was born to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum. At just 29, Mana has made a name in the business circles with his adventurous lifestyle and entrepreneurial pursuits. He has business ties with GCI Real Estate Development, Dubai Tech, AlBarada Trading, and MM Group of Companies.
Mana is also quite popular on social media, where he often showcases his adventurous lifestyle, together with skiing trips, falconry, and horseback riding. The Emirati businessman is also known to be good friends with sports legends such as Novak Djokovic and Ronaldinho.
Meeting French Montana and moving towards a new beginning
Not long after her divorce from Sheikh Mana, Sheikha Mahra started making headlines for rumours of something brewing between her and rapper French Montana. The rapper was previously married to Nadeen Kharbouch from 2007 to 2014, with whom he shares a 16-year-old son, Kruz. Despite months of speculation, neither Mahra nor Montana publicly spoke about their relationship until now, when they officially confirmed their engagement.
If reports are to be believed, Mahra (31) grew close to Montana (40) while navigating her divorce, and they soon began dating. The then-alleged couple was first spotted together in 2024, frequently hanging out in mosques and upscale restaurants across Dubai and Morocco. Later, they made a romantic appearance at Paris’ famous Love Lock Bridge, Pont des Arts.
Well, with the recent developments, another lavish wedding seems to be in the cards soon for Sheikha Mahra and French Montana. While there are still no details available about their wedding, fans and followers are already looking forward to another grand spectacle.
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