Princess Sheikha Mahra Mohammed Rashed Al Maktoum, daughter of Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has made headlines yet again—this time for her engagement to 40-year-old rapper French Montana, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch. According to TMZ, the pair officially got engaged in June 2025 during Paris Fashion Week, where Montana marked his runway debut at 3. Paradis’ Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 2026 show.

A divorce that shocked Dubai society

Sheikha Mahra’s personal life first exploded into public view last year when she made the extraordinary decision to announce her divorce through an Instagram post. The princess had married Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum in April 2023, and the couple soon welcomed a daughter together.

However, signs of trouble surfaced when she stunned followers by posting: “Dear Husband. As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce. I divorce you, I divorce you, I divorce you. Take care. Your ex-wife.”

The wording echoed the Islamic practice of triple talaq—a controversial method of instant divorce now banned in the UAE. Her bold public statement was later deleted, but the damage was done. Within weeks, she posted a picture of herself and her daughter captioned: “Just the two of us,” which many took as confirmation of the separation.

From heartbreak to high fashion and hip-hop romance

The princess did not retreat from the spotlight after the divorce. In fact, she leaned into her independence with remarkable flair. Recently, she launched a perfume line pointedly named “Divorce”, which many saw as a cheeky but powerful message of reclaiming her narrative.

Sheikha Mahra and French Montana were first linked back in October 2024, when she was reportedly giving him a personal tour of Dubai. Rumors swirled but were never confirmed until their engagement this summer. Despite the secrecy surrounding their relationship, their union has now become official with confirmation from Montana’s representatives.

A modern royal with many passions

The 31-year-old princess, whose mother is Greek socialite Zoe Grigorakos, was originally born Christina before adopting the Arabic name Mahra after moving to the UAE. Far from being a silent royal, she has cultivated an active public persona.

Her Instagram page reveals her deep interests in philanthropy, equestrian sports, fashion, and women’s health advocacy. In one notable post, she wrote: “Health is beauty. Today, Dr. Fadi and I discussed the importance of yearly check-ups with your gynecologist. An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. Protecting yourself, know your body, stay empowered.”

Academically accomplished, Sheikha Mahra studied international relations in London before launching her entrepreneurial ventures, including her fragrance brand Mahra M1.

The fairytale engagement

Her engagement to French Montana has captured international attention—not only because of the unusual mix of Middle Eastern royalty and American hip-hop, but also because of how quickly her life seems to have transformed.

From a headline-making Instagram divorce to a glamorous Parisian engagement within just over a year, Sheikha Mahra continues to prove she is a modern royal who plays by her own rules.

And if her bold perfume launch called “Divorce” is any indication, she’s not only rewriting her personal story—but doing it in style.