In a headline-grabbing development that fuses the worlds of hip hop and global royalty, Moroccan-American rapper French Montana has reportedly become engaged to Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a princess of Dubai. The news, confirmed by representatives of the artist, marks a significant new chapter for both individuals, who have navigated high-profile pasts to find each other.
A Princess of Dubai and Entrepreneur
Sheikha Mahra, born on February 26, 1994, is a prominent figure within the influential Al Falasi house, the ruling family of Dubai. As the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who serves as the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and is the ruler of Dubai, her lineage places her at the heart of one of the world’s most prominent royal families. While her upbringing is steeped in tradition, Sheikha Mahra has also carved out a path as a modern entrepreneur and philanthropist. She pursued her higher education in London, earning a degree in International Relations, and has also undertaken training at the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Administration.
Beyond her royal status, Sheikha Mahra has launched her own fragrance line, Mahra M1, with her debut scent, “Divorce,” notably released following her highly publicized separation. She is also known for her passion for equestrianism and her active involvement in charitable work and humanitarian causes within the UAE, often representing her family at significant events.
French Montana’s Journey in Hip Hop and Relationships
French Montana, born Karim Kharbouch, has established himself as a significant artist in the global music scene. Rising from the Bronx, his career in the hip hop genre has seen him achieve chart-topping success with hits like “Unforgettable” and “No Stylist.” His journey in the music industry has been punctuated by a series of high-profile relationships. Prior to his engagement to Sheikha Mahra, Montana was married to Deen Kharbouch from 2007 to 2014, with whom he shares a son, Kruz.
His romantic history includes notable figures such as reality television star Khloé Kardashian, with whom he had a publicized relationship in 2014, as well as rapper Trina, and reality stars Evelyn Lozada and Iggy Azalea. These past relationships have often garnered significant media attention, adding to his public persona beyond his music.
A Royal Romance Unfolds
The connection between French Montana and Sheikha Mahra reportedly began to surface in late 2024. Initial sparks of their relationship were fueled when Sheikha Mahra shared social media posts documenting a tour she gave the rapper around Dubai, including visits to upscale restaurants and a desert resort. Their bond grew, leading to frequent sightings across various locations, including Dubai, Morocco, and Paris. The couple was seen dining at fashionable establishments, visiting mosques, and even walking hand-in-hand across Paris’s iconic Pont des Arts bridge.
Their relationship gained further public visibility earlier this year when they attended several Paris Fashion Week events together, appearing arm-in-arm and solidifying their status as a couple in the public eye. It was during Paris Fashion Week in June 2025, shortly after French Montana made his runway debut for the 3.PARADIS Spring/Summer 2026 collection, that he proposed to Sheikha Mahra.
The Engagement and Future Prospects
The official confirmation of the engagement came through representatives for French Montana, with news outlets like TMZ and People reporting on the development. The proposal itself was marked by a lavish gesture: a diamond engagement ring featuring a large emerald-cut diamond, estimated to be valued at over $1 million, reportedly created by Eric the Jeweler. Sheikha Mahra has since shared photos of the stunning ring on social media, featuring her hand alongside Montana’s.
This union represents a significant intersection of global entertainment and Middle Eastern royalty. While wedding plans are reportedly underway, specific dates and arrangements are still being finalized by both families, who are said to be “excited and supportive” of the couple’s future. The engagement follows Sheikha Mahra’s dramatic and widely reported divorce from her former husband, Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, which she announced via Instagram in July 2024, shortly after their first wedding anniversary and the birth of their daughter. The public nature of her divorce, utilizing a method interpreted as triple talaq, drew international attention.
As French Montana continues his career in music and Sheikha Mahra balances her royal duties with her entrepreneurial pursuits, their engagement promises to be one of the top stories in celebrity news, bridging cultures and capturing the public’s imagination.
