The daughter of Dubai’s ruler shocked the Arab world on Thursday by appearing to announce her divorce on social media from the royal she recently had a child with — in a rare move that also mocked an outdated Islamic tradition.
The Instagram account of Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 30, the daughter of Dubai ruler and United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, revealed that she had decided to leave her husband.
“As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce you,” posted the princess, whose family is worth an estimated $18 million.”
“I divorce you, I divorce you, and I Divorce You. Take care. Your ex-wife,” concluded the message to fellow royal Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum.
Mahra’s post appeared to be invoking a controversial tactic where a man can instantly divorce his wife by declaring it three times.
The practice, dubbed “triple repudiation,” is looked down upon in much of the Muslim world, but is still practiced by traditionalists, according to research from Brandeis University.
The princess’ post sent shockwaves across the UAE, with many claiming that the message must have been the result of Mahra ‘s account being hacked — despite the fact that the post remains active.
Others, however, flocked to support the princess’ apparent decision, finding it empowering for a woman of her status to make such a bold move.
“I find it empowering when a woman recognizes her worth and confidently stands her ground,” one supporter wrote.
Mahra married her husband last May and the couple welcomed a daughter just two months ago.
Since the divorce post went up, pictures of Mahra with her husband have been scrubbed from her Instagram page, with the princess also missing from Mana’s social media page.
The princess, who has nearly half a million followers on Instagram, has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights in the UAE.
Her mother, Greek national Zoe Grigorakos, is separated from the Dubai ruler.
With Post wires
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