This Dubai Princess gave a masterclass in public break-ups — and she’s not the only one
Where once the A-list PR machine ran a tight ship when it came to celebrity break-up announcements — with meticulously-planned out and exaggeratedly amicable joint statements — increasingly, celebs are going rogue. Just as the notes app screenshot became synonymous with apologies, the black-and-white Insta post has become its break-up counterpart — and it doesn’t always play by the PR-drafted rules.
The latest — and potentially most striking — example comes from none other than the Princess of Dubai, who’s seemingly asked her husband for a divorce via Instagram. “Dear Husband,” Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum wrote. “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 employs the controversial Islamic practice known as triple talaq (which has been banned in many countries), which allows husbands to instantly divorce their wives simply by saying ‘I divorce you’ three times. The method isn’t applicable for women, but Sheikha Mahra’s use of it makes for a powerfully symbolic — and mocking — statement.
Sheikha Mahra and her husband, Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum have been married for just over a year, having tied the knot in an opulent ceremony in April 2023. Their first daughter was born in May, just two months ago. BBC News reports that the couple have removed all photos of each other from their respective Instagram accounts — though neither Sheikh Mana nor Sheikha Mahra’s father, UAE prime minister and Dubai ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum have responded to the post.
The Princess’ post is the latest example in a long line of celebrities and non-celebrities alike ‘hard-launching’ their break-ups. And it’s not just break-ups. Social media has become the default battleground for any and all debates, grievances, and revenge — no holds barred, with users increasingly empowered to air their own (and others’) dirty laundry. Just last week, women on TikTok made a trend out of lip syncing to their shitty exes’ voice notes, proving that even the most private conversations have become fair game for public consumption.
Women are leading the charge in this shift, using their personal platforms to shine a light on bad or even abusive behaviour — usually by men — and smashing taboos in the process. Sheikha Mahra’s post is particularly salient for doing exactly that. Not only has she broken royal protocol — personal public statements are strictly prohibited for members of the royal family — but, by seemingly using her post to not only to tell the world, but also her husband that she wants a divorce, she’s defiantly broken all social norms, too. What’s more, by appearing to publicly announce her husband’s alleged infidelity — something which can be taboo to admit — she’s reclaiming power and, as somewhat of a social media influencer, she’s doing it in the best way she knows how.
Sheikha Mahra isn’t the first Dubai Princess to express unhappiness with her living situation. Two of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s other daughters previously tried to escape the Middle East, only to be captured and forcibly returned to Dubai.
Instagram users have praised Sheikha Mahra’s defiance, with comments under her post reading: “I find it empowering when a woman recognizes her worth and confidently stands her ground”, “Bravo. A true feminist. A warrior. Sending love and admiration”, and “You opened a new page for every Muslim women [sic] in the world!!! Thank you Queen”.
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