Dubai Princess Sheikha Mahra Ditches Sheikh for Rapper French Montana

Moroccan-American rapper French Montana, 40, is officially engaged to Dubai’s Princess Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 31, marking a union that blends hip-hop stardom with royal prestige.

The engagement, confirmed to TMZ by Montana’s representative on August 27, 2025, reportedly took place in June during Paris Fashion Week, where the couple made their commitment against the city’s famously romantic backdrop.

Their relationship, which began making headlines in late 2024, has been defined by glamorous public appearances, from upscale dining in Dubai and Morocco to desert camelback rides and a visit to Paris’ Pont des Arts “Love Lock Bridge,” where Mahra teased their romance with a heart-filled Instagram post.

Montana even turned heads by walking the runway for the 3.Paradis Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 2026 show, further cementing their high-profile status. Sources indicate that both families are delighted, although the couple has not yet revealed any wedding plans.

The news comes shortly after another celebrity engagement — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce — ensuring the announcement generated major media buzz.

Born Karim Kharbouch on November 9, 1984, in Casablanca, French Montana moved to the Bronx at 13 and rose to prominence with his Cocaine City mixtapes. He later signed with Bad Boy Records, scoring mainstream hits like “Pop That” and the diamond-certified “Unforgettable.”

Beyond music, he is known for his philanthropy and strong connection to his Moroccan roots. Montana was previously married to Nadeen Kharbouch (2007–2014), with whom he shares a 16-year-old son, Kruz Kharbouch.

Over the years, he has been linked to stars such as Khloé Kardashian, Iggy Azalea, and Rubi Rose, though he has largely kept his love life private until now. Reflecting on relationships in a 2016 Elle interview, Montana admitted, “It’s real emotional, it’s a sensitive space for them… sometimes you have to sacrifice for what you want.”

Retired NBA star Paul Pierce even weighed in on his podcast The Truth After Dark, praising Montana’s engagement by saying, “Us Black men, I’m telling y’all: we need to follow in French Montana’s steps. You see, he cracking.”

Princess Sheikha Mahra, born February 26, 1994, is the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Zoe Grigorakos, who has Greek heritage.

With over 1.1 million Instagram followers under the handle xtianna, Mahra is admired for her modern outlook and entrepreneurial ventures. She studied International Relations in London and later completed a program at the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Administration. A philanthropist and avid equestrian, she also founded Mahra M1, a luxury perfume brand, whose debut fragrance “Divorce” boldly referenced her personal journey.

Mahra was previously married to Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum in May 2023, with a traditional Islamic wedding followed by a lavish Dubai reception where she wore a custom Ezra Couture gown.

The couple welcomed a daughter, also named Mahra Mana Al Maktoum, in May 2024. However, just two months after their first anniversary, she announced their divorce in July 2024 through a now-deleted Instagram post that 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 dramatic message, referencing the Islamic “triple talaq” practice, stunned followers and hinted at infidelity. She later removed all traces of her ex-husband from social media, shifting her focus to her daughter and her career.

Following her separation, Mahra launched her “Divorce” fragrance and began her relationship with Montana. Their joint appearances, spanning Dubai, Morocco, and Paris, have reflected both cultural heritage and modern glamour. Though neither has made a direct public statement on their engagement, their global outings continue to keep fans and media buzzing.