In a stunning turn of events that has captivated the global spotlight, Princess Sheikha Mahra Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai announced her engagement to American rapper French Montana on August 27, 2025, just one year after her highly publicized divorce from billionaire Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. The 31-year-old princess, known for her bold personality and advocacy for women’s rights, shared the news through a series of Instagram posts, showcasing moments from her budding romance with the 41-year-old musician, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch. The engagement, which took place during Paris Fashion Week in June 2025, marks a new chapter for Sheikha Mahra, whose journey from a fairy-tale wedding to a shocking divorce and now to newfound love has sparked widespread admiration and intrigue.

The announcement comes as a beacon of hope for Sheikha Mahra, who endured a tumultuous year following her split from Sheikh Mana, a prominent member of Dubai’s ruling family and a successful entrepreneur with a billion-dollar fortune. The couple’s lavish wedding in June 2023, held at the Saeed Hall in Dubai’s World Trade Centre, was a spectacle of opulence, attended by dignitaries and celebrated for its grandeur. The event, featuring a seven-tiered wedding cake and intricate floral designs, was hailed as a modern-day fairy tale, uniting two of Dubai’s most influential figures. Sheikha Mahra, the daughter of Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Sheikh Mana, a tech and real estate magnate, seemed poised for a life of shared success. However, their marriage unraveled after just over a year, culminating in a dramatic Instagram post in July 2024 where Sheikha Mahra declared, “Dear Husband, I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you,” invoking a traditional Islamic practice known as triple talaq, though in a satirical twist that shocked the world.

The divorce announcement, unprecedented for a member of Dubai’s royal family, sent ripples through social media and garnered international attention. Sheikha Mahra’s post accused Sheikh Mana of being preoccupied with “other companions,” hinting at infidelity as the cause of their split. The couple, who welcomed their daughter, Mahra, in May 2024, had already shown signs of strain, with Sheikha Mahra sharing a cryptic Instagram post in June 2024 captioned “Just the two of us,” featuring only herself and her newborn. The public’s fascination grew as it was revealed that the couple had unfollowed each other online and removed all traces of their marriage from their social media accounts. Sheikha Mahra’s bold move to publicly end the marriage, coupled with her launch of a perfume line named “Divorce” shortly after, cemented her reputation as a defiant and empowered figure, unafraid to challenge conventions in a conservative society.

Less than three months after her divorce, Sheikha Mahra was spotted with French Montana in Dubai, sparking rumors of a new romance. The couple’s relationship blossomed quickly, with sightings of them dining together, riding camels, and visiting a local mosque. Their engagement, confirmed by Montana’s representative to media outlets, took place during a romantic moment following his appearance as a model in the 3.Paradis Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2026 show at Paris Fashion Week. The proposal, described as intimate yet extravagant, occurred in a private setting adorned with roses and candlelight, reflecting Montana’s flair for grand gestures. While details of the engagement ring and wedding plans remain undisclosed, sources close to the couple suggest a ceremony that will blend Dubai’s royal traditions with Montana’s vibrant, global persona.

Sheikha Mahra’s journey to this moment is as remarkable as her new romance. Born to Sheikh Mohammed and a Greek mother, Zoe Grigorakos, she spent her early years in Greece and the UK, only returning to Dubai at age 25 to claim her royal title. Educated at the University of London, she developed a progressive outlook, championing women’s empowerment and challenging traditional norms. Known as the “rebel princess,” she has embraced a modern, open-minded approach, often forgoing the hijab and advocating for gender equality. Her return to Dubai was marked by initial tensions with her father due to her unconventional style, but she has since become a prominent figure in the emirate, managing her own business ventures, including a luxury perfume brand, and maintaining a collection of 11 racehorses, a passion that costs millions annually.

French Montana, a Moroccan-American rapper known for hits like “Unforgettable” and “Pop That,” brings his own story of resilience to the relationship. Born in Casablanca, he immigrated to the Bronx at 13 and rose to fame through his music and collaborations with artists like Drake and Swae Lee. His own marriage to Deen Kharbouch ended in 2014 after five years, and he has since focused on his career and philanthropy, including building a hospital in Uganda. The couple’s shared experience of navigating public divorces has fostered a deep connection, with insiders noting their mutual understanding of life in the spotlight. Their romance, which began in the fall of 2024, has been marked by shared adventures and a commitment to supporting each other’s ambitions.

The engagement has generated a wave of excitement among fans, who see it as a union of two worlds—royalty and celebrity. Sheikha Mahra’s Instagram posts, featuring candid moments with Montana, have drawn thousands of likes and comments, with fans praising her for finding happiness after heartbreak. “From Divorce perfume to a new love story—Mahra is unstoppable,” one follower wrote. Others have celebrated the couple’s chemistry, noting their shared love for travel and culture. Montana’s fans, meanwhile, have lauded his ability to win the heart of a princess, with one commenting, “From the Bronx to Dubai royalty, French is living the dream.”

The announcement also carries a broader significance, coming at a time when Dubai is navigating its global image as a hub of luxury and progress. Sheikha Mahra’s bold choices, from her public divorce to her engagement to a Western celebrity, challenge traditional expectations of royal women in the UAE. Her advocacy for women’s rights, evident in her support for local initiatives and her outspoken social media presence, has made her a role model for young Emiratis. The engagement, blending Dubai’s royal heritage with Montana’s international fame, symbolizes a fusion of tradition and modernity, resonating with a generation seeking to balance cultural roots with global aspirations.

For Minneapolis, a city recently touched by tragedy with a school shooting that claimed two young lives, Sheikha Mahra’s story offers a moment of inspiration. While geographically distant, her journey of resilience and love echoes universal themes of hope and renewal. The princess’s ability to reclaim her narrative after a painful divorce has drawn parallels to the community’s desire to heal, with her engagement serving as a reminder that new beginnings are possible even after profound loss.

As Sheikha Mahra and French Montana plan their future, the world watches with anticipation. Their wedding, expected to be a lavish affair combining Emirati traditions with Hollywood glamour, promises to be a cultural milestone. For now, the couple is basking in their engagement, with Sheikha Mahra sharing a post captioned, “Here’s to new beginnings.” Her journey—from a fairy-tale wedding to a bold divorce and now to a love that defies borders—captures the essence of a woman unafraid to chart her own path. As she steps into this new chapter with Montana by her side, Sheikha Mahra proves that true love can emerge from the ashes of heartbreak, offering hope to millions around the globe.