Dubai: In a novel example of instant divorce, Dubai princess Shaikha Mahra Mohammed Rashed Al Maktoum conveyed her decision to her husband through a post on social media.
Just two months after the couple welcomed its first child, princess Shaikha Mahra accused husband Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum of infidelity and declared divorce with him on Instagram.
“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,” she posted on Instagram on July 16.
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As per most interpretations of Islamic law, only men can traditionally pronounce talaq. Women have the option of seeking divorce through ‘khula’, whereby she requests divorce from her husband or a court. Some jurisdictions also allow women to include a clause in the marriage contract (nikahnama) granting them the right to pronounce talaq.
Shaikha Mahra is the daughter of ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the vice-president and prime minister.
Shaikha Mahra and industrialist Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid got married in May 2023, and became parents to a girl earlier this year.
The first signs of marital discord came in the form of a cryptic Instagram post in June by Shaikha Mahra that showed her cradling their baby. “Just the two of us,” she had captioned the picture.
Most Instagram users voiced their concerns is response to Shaikha Mahra’s divorce news.
Many of them observed that her account no longer featured pictures with her husband. Both unfollowed each other on Instagram.
