In an era where royal business is typically conducted behind closed doors, Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has demonstrated that she’s anything but the average princess. The 31-year-old daughter of Dubai’s ruler and UAE Prime Minister has made headlines once again, this time for getting engaged to none other than rapper French Montana.
Yes, you read that right.
Their relationship first caught the public eye in late 2024, when Mahra was seen giving the rapper, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch, a personal tour of Dubai. What started as a casual connection quickly gained attention after they shared a series of photos on social media. The two were seen enjoying everything from private dinners to cultural visits and even a romantic stroll across the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris.
It wasn’t long before the whispers turned into confirmation. In June 2025, during Paris Fashion Week, right after Montana hit the runway, the couple got engaged. While no wedding date has been set just yet, the announcement has already stirred curiosity around the world, mainly because their relationship is anything but conventional.
A Public Divorce, a Private Strength
Before this chapter, Sheikha Mahra was known for a different kind of headline. In July of 2024, she made an unusually public post on Instagram: she was divorcing her then-husband, Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum. The two had been married since April 2023 and had their daughter, also Mahra, in May of 2024.
Her divorce post was direct, emotional, and defiant, something rarely seen from someone of her status. It 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.”
The post, echoing the traditional Islamic triple talaq, made waves not just for its content but for the fact that it came from a woman in a royal family, something that’s nearly unprecedented in the area. The action was perceived by many as brave and liberating, but others perceived it as controversial. In either case, it was not possible to ignore.
Shortly after the announcement, she posted a heartfelt message to her father on Instagram, thanking him for his support during what was clearly a difficult time. She wrote:
“Dear Father, thank you for your support. Thank you for your love. Thank you for marking an era that justifies that there is justice for everyone.”
It was a subtle but powerful nod to her journey and perhaps a sign that she was ready to take control of her narrative.
Turning Pain Into Power
Following her divorce, Sheikha Mahra didn’t fade into the background. Instead, she stepped into the spotlight on her own terms. She launched a perfume line called “Divorce” under her personal brand, Mahra M1, a cheeky, confident move that said she was anything but broken.
Educated in International Relations in the UK and trained at the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Administration, Mahra is well-equipped to juggle both tradition and modernity. And that’s exactly what she seems to be doing, blending her royal responsibilities with her personal passions and carving out a path that feels uniquely hers.
Enter: French Montana
French Montana’s story isn’t all that different. Born in Morocco and raised in the Bronx, he’s known for hits like Unforgettable and No Stylist, but there’s more to him than chart-toppers. He’s spent years investing in healthcare and education projects in North Africa and Uganda, earning a reputation as a philanthropist in addition to being a performer.
Montana was married to Deen Kharbouch from 2007 to 2014 and shares a teenage son, Kruz. He also dated Khloé Kardashian for a while, a relationship he’s since described as “real”, saying in interviews that the two have remained friends.
And now, with Sheikha Mahra on his arm, Montana appears to have found something more profound: a relationship founded not only on desire but on values and respect. From their vastly different childhoods, they’ve discovered common ground, and they’re not shy about it.
A Modern Fairytale
This romance isn’t about two celebrities falling in love; it’s about reworking the script. Sheikha Mahra and French Montana are proving love does not have to be conventional to be. Their story, with all of its twists, turns, and Instagram teasers, is all a reflection of what contemporary romances are all about: messy, bold, and oftentimes unexpected.
So while royal fans are perhaps still getting used to the idea of a Dubai princess and a hip-hop rapper getting married, one thing is for sure: this is a romance that is uniquely their own. And maybe that’s why it seems so wonderfully authentic.