In a dazzling union that has captivated global audiences, Moroccan-American hip-hop mogul French Montana is officially engaged to Dubai’s Princess Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This love story, which bridges the worlds of music, celebrity, and ancient royalty, has all the hallmarks of a modern-day fairytale, a narrative that holds particular fascination for audiences across India, a country deeply enchanted by both high-profile romance and regal sagas. The happy news was confirmed this week by a representative for the rapper to the international outlet TMZ, though the proposal itself took place months ago in a moment of pure celebrity magic. Their pairing is a powerful testament to a new era where love knows no traditional boundaries, defying class and cultural conventions with remarkable ease.

	French Montana	Sheikha Mahra
Age	40 (b. Nov 9, 1984)	31 (b. Feb 26, 1994)
Full Name	Karim Kharbouch	Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Nationality	Moroccan-American	Emirati
Notable Profile	Rapper, Singer, Producer, Entrepreneur; Grammy nominee, dated Khloé Kardashian, ex-wife Deen Kharbouch	Princess, Philanthropist, Businesswoman; Daughter of Dubai’s Ruler, viral divorce, launched “Divorce” perfume

The juxtaposition of their backgrounds—a rapper who rose from the South Bronx to global fame and a princess from one of the world’s most prominent royal families—is precisely what makes their story so compelling. It speaks to a globalized world where a traditional hierarchy can be gracefully subverted by a genuine connection. For a nation that has witnessed its own celebrity-royal alliances, such as Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, this narrative resonates deeply as a symbol of aspiration and the triumph of modern love.

The Parisian Proposal: A Moment of Glamour and Destiny

The proposal was not a quiet, private affair but a grand gesture perfectly timed for the global spotlight. French Montana reportedly popped the question in June 2025 during the high-profile Paris Fashion Week. The timing was particularly poignant as it occurred shortly after he made his runway debut, walking for the 3.Paradis Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 2026 show.³ This dual triumph—a career milestone followed immediately by a profound personal one—seamlessly fused his professional life with his romantic one. The choice of Paris as the backdrop, a city synonymous with romance and high fashion, amplified the statement.

In a move that delighted fans, the princess has since offered the world a glimpse of her spectacular engagement ring via an Instagram post. The ring, a veritable symbol of their union, boasts an emerald-cut 11.53-carat diamond at its center, flanked by smaller diamonds along the band. Designed by the esteemed Eric The Jeweller, this masterpiece is valued at a staggering $1.1 million, a lavish testament to their shared success and love.⁵ The public display of this seven-figure ring serves as their official announcement, allowing the couple to take control of their narrative and share their happiness on their own terms, a defining characteristic of modern celebrity relationships.

A Royal Love Saga: The Road from Rumors to Romance

Their relationship evolved over a series of public sightings that captured the world’s attention. The first whispers of romance began in late 2024 when Sheikha Mahra posted photos of herself giving the “Unforgettable” hitmaker a tour of Dubai. The initial sightings at luxury spots like Nammos Dubai and trips to the desert set the stage for a romance that would soon span continents. In early 2025, their romance took to the global stage as they were spotted together in Marrakech, Morocco, and later sharing a quiet moment on Paris’s historic Pont des Arts, where they reportedly left a symbolic “love lock”.² The public appearances became more frequent, each one a signal of their growing closeness and a deliberate step into the public eye. The romantic gesture of a “love lock” on the famed bridge humanized the larger-than-life figures, making their journey relatable and endearing to a mass audience.

Date	Milestone
October 2024	First linked, Sheikha Mahra gives French Montana a tour of Dubai.
Early 2025	Spotted in Morocco and Paris, including the Pont des Arts love lock.
June 2025	French Montana proposes during Paris Fashion Week.
August 2025	Engagement officially confirmed to TMZ and via Instagram posts.

The Princess Who Forged Her Own Path: A Profile in Resilience

Sheikha Mahra’s journey to this new chapter is a story of profound personal evolution. As the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, her life has always been under a global lens. However, she has forged a modern royal identity, blending her Greek heritage from her mother, Zoe Grigorakos, with an education in International Relations.

A pivotal moment in her public life was her highly publicized divorce from Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum in July 2024, just a year after their marriage and shortly after the birth of their daughter. Sheikha Mahra’s announcement was as unconventional as it was bold. In a now-deleted Instagram post, she publicly accused her husband of being “occupied with other companions,” and in a striking move, she used the “triple talaq” phrase—a form of divorce customarily invoked by men—to declare her marriage over. This act was seen as a radical declaration of her independence. Following this, she transformed a personal setback into an entrepreneurial statement by launching her perfume brand, Mahra M1, with its flagship fragrance pointedly named “Divorce”. Notably, French Montana was among those who publicly promoted the perfume, demonstrating his early support for her bold ventures. This narrative of a woman who turned personal adversity into a platform for empowerment and business acumen is a compelling one, resonating strongly with modern audiences.

From the Streets to the Studio: The World of French Montana

French Montana’s life story is equally compelling. Born Karim Kharbouch in Casablanca, Morocco, he immigrated to the South Bronx at the age of 13, speaking only Moroccan Darija and French. His early struggle and subsequent rise to fame, starting as a battle rapper and hosting the “Cocaine City” DVD series, is a classic American Dream narrative that adds depth to his persona. His career trajectory led him to sign with music giants like Puff Daddy’s Bad Boy Records and Rick Ross’s Maybach Music Group, leading to global hits like “Unforgettable” and “Jungle Rules”.

Beyond his music, the rapper has proven to be a savvy entrepreneur. He founded his own record label, Coke Boys Records, and has successfully ventured into luxury real estate, notably purchasing and flipping Selena Gomez’s home and later acquiring a multi-million-dollar mansion in Hidden Hills, California.¹⁹ While his reported net worth ranges widely, from $25 million to $50 million, this discrepancy speaks to the complex nature of modern celebrity wealth, which is derived not just from music but from a diverse portfolio of business ventures, endorsements, and social media earnings.³ For added context, the report also notes his previous relationships, including his marriage to Deen Kharbouch and his high-profile romance with reality TV star Khloé Kardashian.

The Mumbai Connection: When Global Love Found a Local Flavour

While their romance has unfolded across global capitals like Dubai, Paris, and Marrakech, their love story recently had a special local chapter. The couple made a surprise trip to Mumbai, a detail that has been of particular interest to Indian audiences. During their visit, the duo immersed themselves in the city’s vibrant culture and diverse cuisine. The rapper, who is famously known as French Montana, particularly enjoyed “flavourful kadak chai” and “food made using different spices,” while his fiancée reportedly loved tasting “biryani and the fruits in India”.¹ This personal touch, a genuine interest in local culture and food, is what truly makes their global narrative feel relatable and close to home for the Indian reader. It paints a picture of a couple who is not just traveling but actively embracing the experiences and flavors of the world.

Conclusion: Love, Legacy, and The New Rules of Royalty

The engagement of French Montana and Sheikha Mahra is more than just a celebrity news item; it is a cultural moment that embodies the fusion of different worlds. It is a story of a rapper and a royal uniting, proving that in today’s interconnected world, global fame and traditional monarchy are no longer separate spheres. For Sheikha Mahra, this union signifies a new beginning—a narrative of a woman who has bravely navigated a public divorce and emerged as a fiercely independent individual, now choosing a life partner who celebrates her boldness. For French Montana, it marks a new chapter in his remarkable journey, cementing his place in a story that will undoubtedly be watched closely by millions. With both families reportedly excited and supportive, the details of their wedding are still being finalized, leaving the world in eager anticipation of the next chapter of this modern-day fairytale.

	Sheikha Mahra’s Public Persona: Pre- and Post-Divorce
Pre-Divorce (2023 – Mid-2024)	Married to Sheikh Mana, welcomed a daughter, and made public appearances as a traditional royal bride.
Post-Divorce (July 2024 – Present)	Announced divorce via a viral Instagram post; launched her perfume brand, Mahra M1, with the fragrance named “Divorce”; publicly linked with and got engaged to French Montana; and has been showing off her ring on social media.

This visual comparison clearly illustrates her profound transformation, from a more traditional royal figure to a modern, independent woman in control of her own destiny and brand. Her story is a powerful testament to personal resilience and a new kind of royal legacy.