The glamorous world of royalty and showbiz has come together in a surprising new union. Sheikha Mahira, the daughter of Dubai’s ruler, has officially confirmed her engagement to American-Moroccan rapper French Montana. The news, revealed during Paris Fashion Week 2025, instantly became a trending topic across global media platforms, sparking fascination, debate, and excitement.
Sheikha Mahira’s engagement comes just one year after her high-profile divorce from Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, and it has reignited public interest in her personal life, her business ventures, and her role as a modern-day princess who is reshaping perceptions of Arab royalty.
Who is Sheikha Mahira?
Sheikha Mahira is one of the most talked-about royal figures in Dubai. Known for her beauty, elegance, and entrepreneurial drive, she has carved out a public identity that extends far beyond her royal status.
- Royal Lineage: Sheikha Mahira is a daughter of the ruler of Dubai, making her part of the influential Al Maktoum family.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Unlike many royals who prefer a life away from the spotlight, Mahira has actively pursued business ventures. In 2024, she launched her perfume line under the brand name Mehra M1.
- Public Persona: Mahira has consistently captured headlines not just for her royal connections, but also for her bold lifestyle choices and her ability to blend tradition with modernity.
Her decision to launch a perfume named “Divorce”, shortly after separating from her husband, signaled her unapologetic stance on independence and personal reinvention. Priced at $272, the fragrance quickly became a symbol of empowerment and resilience, selling out in multiple markets across the Middle East and Europe.
Her Marriage and Divorce from Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Sheikha Mahira married Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, a prominent member of Dubai’s royal family, in 2023. The union was celebrated with much fanfare and global attention, given the high-profile status of both families.
- Their Daughter: The couple welcomed their daughter in May 2024.
- The Split: Just two months after becoming parents, reports emerged of strain in the marriage. In late 2024, Sheikha Mahira confirmed her divorce.
Her ability to move forward so quickly after such a public separation not only highlighted her resilience but also established her as a symbol of modern womanhood in the Arab world — one unafraid to make bold decisions in the face of societal scrutiny.
Enter French Montana: The Man Who Won the Princess’s Heart
French Montana, born Karim Kharbush in Casablanca, Morocco, is a globally recognized rapper, songwriter, and philanthropist. His journey from Morocco to the United States and eventual rise to fame is as fascinating as his music career.
- Music Career: Known for hits such as Unforgettable and No Stylist, French Montana has built a reputation as a chart-topping rapper with a unique blend of Moroccan and American influences.
- Charitable Work: Beyond his music, Montana has gained recognition for his humanitarian projects in Africa and the Middle East, focusing on healthcare and education. His philanthropic efforts earned him global praise, particularly after funding maternal healthcare programs in Uganda.
- Connection with Mahira: Reports of the couple dating began surfacing in 2024, shortly after Mahira’s divorce. The two were spotted together on multiple occasions, fueling rumors that eventually proved true.
The Engagement Announcement at Paris Fashion Week
The couple chose the glamorous backdrop of Paris Fashion Week 2025 to make their relationship official. Surrounded by close friends, family members, and celebrities from both the entertainment and fashion industries, Sheikha Mahira and French Montana celebrated their engagement in style.
Photos and videos from the event quickly went viral:
- Sheikha Mahira, dressed in a stunning couture gown, was seen wearing a dazzling engagement ring.
- French Montana, staying true to his fashionable persona, proudly introduced her as his fiancée.
- Guests described the atmosphere as intimate yet extravagant, a perfect reflection of the couple’s unique blend of royalty and showbiz.
Public Reaction to the Engagement
The news of the engagement sparked widespread reactions across social media platforms, newspapers, and entertainment websites worldwide.
- Positive Reactions: Many fans praised Sheikha Mahira for finding happiness again after a difficult divorce. Admirers celebrated the union as a cross-cultural love story, symbolizing a blend of tradition, modernity, and global influence.
- Speculation and Debate: Some conservative voices questioned the princess’s decision to get engaged so soon after her divorce, while others debated whether a rapper’s lifestyle could blend seamlessly with royal expectations.
- Celebrity Buzz: In Hollywood and the music industry, the engagement was celebrated as a glamorous union. Fellow artists and friends of French Montana took to Instagram and Twitter to congratulate the couple.
Sheikha Mahira’s Business Empire: Mehra M1
Beyond her personal life, Sheikha Mahira has shown remarkable business acumen. Her perfume brand Mehra M1 has become a symbol of her independence and creativity.
- The First Launch: Divorce – Released after her separation, the fragrance was a bold statement of self-expression. The perfume’s name was unconventional, sparking conversations worldwide and making it one of the most talked-about products of 2024.
- Expanding the Brand – Since then, Sheikha Mahira has hinted at expanding her line with new fragrances that reflect different phases of her life journey. Industry insiders believe her brand could become one of the most successful luxury fragrance houses in the Middle East.
Her entrepreneurial success has made her an influential role model for Arab women, proving that royal status and business ambition can coexist.
French Montana’s Philanthropy and Global Image
French Montana’s appeal extends far beyond his music career. Known for never forgetting his Moroccan roots, he has been actively involved in humanitarian projects.
- Healthcare Initiatives: Montana funded a hospital in Uganda to provide maternal and neonatal care, impacting thousands of women and children.
- Educational Support: He has also contributed to education programs across North Africa and the Middle East.
- Cultural Representation: By blending Arabic influences into his music, French Montana has become a cultural bridge between the East and the West.
His charitable activities make him a suitable partner for a modern princess like Sheikha Mahira, who herself is engaged in entrepreneurship and social causes.
What This Engagement Means for Royal and Celebrity Culture
The engagement of Sheikha Mahira and French Montana is not just a personal milestone — it represents a fusion of royal tradition and modern celebrity culture.
- Cultural Impact: The union is symbolic of global interconnectedness, where a Moroccan-American rapper can win the heart of an Arab princess.
- Media Attention: Their story has captivated global audiences, creating a buzz similar to royal weddings in Europe or celebrity unions in Hollywood.
- Changing Norms: For many, Mahira’s decision reflects a changing narrative about Arab women, royalty, and their choices in love and life.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Couple?
While the couple has not yet revealed details about their wedding plans, fans and media outlets are already speculating about the possible grandeur of the ceremony. With Mahira’s royal connections and Montana’s celebrity network, their wedding could be one of the most talked-about events of the decade.
Some expect the event to take place in Dubai, blending royal traditions with modern glamour, while others predict a global celebration with star-studded guest lists.
Conclusion
Sheikha Mahira’s engagement to French Montana is more than just a royal love story — it’s a reflection of the evolving world where tradition meets modernity, royalty meets celebrity, and love knows no boundaries.
From her highly publicized divorce to her bold entrepreneurial moves, and now her engagement to one of the world’s most famous rappers, Sheikha Mahira continues to redefine what it means to be a princess in the 21st century.
As the world watches this new chapter in her life unfold, one thing is certain: the story of Sheikha Mahira and French Montana is only just beginning — and it will continue to captivate audiences across the globe.
