In a captivating blend of hip-hop culture and Middle Eastern royalty, Moroccan-American rapper French Montana, born Karim Kharbouch, is officially engaged to Dubai’s Princess Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The engagement, confirmed by Montana’s representative to TMZ on August 27, 2025, took place in June during Paris Fashion Week, marking a significant milestone in their high-profile romance.
This announcement has sparked widespread excitement, uniting fans from the music world and royal circles alike. The couple’s journey, which began with public sightings in 2024, has quickly evolved into a global headline, showcasing a unique fusion of cultural backgrounds and shared values.
A Whirlwind Romance Culminating in Paris
The engagement of French Montana and Sheikha Mahra has been a topic of fascination since rumors first surfaced in October 2024, when the princess shared photos of herself giving Montana a tour of Dubai. Their relationship gained momentum through public appearances at high-profile events, including dining at upscale restaurants, visiting mosques in Dubai and Morocco, and sharing romantic moments at Paris’s iconic Pont des Arts bridge.
These sightings fueled speculation, but it was during Paris Fashion Week in June 2025 that their bond was solidified. Montana, aged 40, proposed to the 31-year-old princess shortly after making his runway debut for the 3.Paradis Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 2026 show, a moment that marked both a personal and professional highlight for the rapper.
The proposal, described as a private yet poignant moment, has not been detailed publicly by the couple, who have maintained a low-key approach to their romance. However, sources close to them confirm that both families are supportive and excited about the engagement, despite no official wedding date being announced.
The couple’s chemistry, evident in their shared moments across Dubai, Morocco, and Paris, reflects a deep connection rooted in mutual respect and cultural synergy. Montana, who speaks Arabic, French, and English, and Mahra, a modern royal with a global outlook, have found common ground in their shared Moroccan and Middle Eastern heritage, making their engagement a celebration of cultural unity.
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Their relationship timeline is nothing short of cinematic. After being spotted together in late 2024, they made their first public appearance as a couple at Paris Fashion Week earlier in 2025, holding hands and captivating onlookers. Social media buzzed with excitement, with fans noting their effortless blend of glamour and authenticity.
French Montana gets engaged to Princess of Dubai Sheikha Mahra, who is worth over $18 billion 💍 💰 pic.twitter.com/ugYFwVbPEm
— HIPHOP CROWN NATION (@hiphopcnation) August 28, 2025
Montana’s decision to keep much of their romance private aligns with his past statements about protecting personal matters from media scrutiny, as he mentioned in a 2016 interview with Elle, emphasizing the emotional sensitivity of dating someone navigating a divorce. This engagement, however, has been warmly received, with fans and commentators celebrating the union of a Grammy-nominated rapper and a Dubai princess known for her elegance and empowerment.
Sheikha Mahra: A Modern Royal with a Bold Spirit
Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, born on February 26, 1994, is the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. Her mother, Zoe Grigorakos, of Greek origin, is reportedly no longer married to Sheikh Mohammed. Mahra’s upbringing was marked by a blend of privilege and purpose, with her early education at a prestigious Dubai school followed by a degree in International Relations from a university in London.
She also holds a qualification from the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Administration, reflecting her commitment to public service and governance. Mahra’s public persona is defined by her multifaceted roles as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and cultural influencer.
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She is celebrated for her love of equestrian sports, her support for local fashion and art designers, and her hands-on involvement in humanitarian initiatives, particularly those focused on women’s rights and community development. In September 2024, she launched her luxury perfume brand, Mahra M1, with its debut fragrance aptly named “Divorce.” Priced at USD 272, the perfume was a bold statement of empowerment following her highly publicized divorce from Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum in July 2024.
The divorce, announced via a now-deleted Instagram post, made global headlines when Mahra invoked the Islamic practice of “triple talaq,” writing, “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.”
Although women cannot legally initiate divorce through this method under Islamic law, the post underscored her resolve and garnered significant attention. Mahra and Sheikh Mana, married in April 2023, welcomed a daughter, also named Mahra, in May 2024, but their marriage ended amid allegations of infidelity. Her ability to channel this personal challenge into a successful entrepreneurial venture highlights her resilience and business acumen.
As a Dubai royal, Mahra’s wealth is substantial, with estimates suggesting a personal fortune of USD 300 million or more, bolstered by her family’s estimated USD 18 billion net worth. Beyond her inheritance, she earns through brand collaborations, social projects, and investments, establishing herself as one of Dubai’s most influential young royals. Her engagement to French Montana marks a new chapter, blending her traditional roots with a modern, global perspective.
French Montana and Sheikha Mahra: A Shared Vision for Impact
French Montana, born Karim Kharbouch in Rabat, Morocco, in November 1984, brings his own remarkable story to this union. Immigrating to the South Bronx at age 13, he faced significant challenges, including learning English and becoming the primary breadwinner for his family after his father returned to Morocco.
His rise in the music industry, marked by hits like “Unforgettable” and “No Stylist,” has made him one of the most streamed African-born artists, with a net worth estimated at USD 50 million. Montana’s career highlights include founding Coke Boys Records in 2008 and releasing his debut album, Excuse My French, in 2013, followed by the globally successful Jungle Rules in 2017.
Beyond music, Montana is recognized for his philanthropy, particularly through his “Cares 4 Kids” initiative, which supports healthcare and education for children in Africa, notably Uganda. His commitment to social impact aligns closely with Mahra’s own charitable endeavors, creating a strong foundation for their partnership. The couple’s shared cultural heritage—Montana’s Moroccan roots and Mahra’s Emirati background—further strengthens their bond, as does their mutual dedication to blending tradition with innovation.
Their engagement has sparked discussions about the potential for a wedding that merges Moroccan and Emirati traditions, with insiders suggesting a ceremony that could take place in Dubai or Los Angeles, where Montana is currently working on his next album. Social media reactions have ranged from enthusiastic support to playful commentary, with some fans humorously noting that Montana’s engagement elevates the “city boys” score, as retired NBA player Paul Pierce remarked on his podcast The Truth After Dark, praising Montana’s choice to marry a non-American woman.
The couple’s story is not without its complexities. Montana was previously married to designer Nadeen Kharbouch from 2007 to 2014, with whom he shares a 16-year-old son, Kruz. He has also been linked to celebrities like Khloé Kardashian and Iggy Azalea in the past. Mahra, meanwhile, navigates the scrutiny of her royal status and the expectations of her public role. Yet, their ability to maintain privacy while embracing their public personas suggests a partnership built on mutual understanding and respect.
As they plan their future, French Montana and Sheikha Mahra represent a dynamic intersection of music, royalty, and philanthropy. Their engagement, formalized against the glamorous backdrop of Paris Fashion Week, is more than a celebrity headline—it’s a testament to the power of love to bridge diverse worlds.
While the wedding date remains pending, the anticipation for a ceremony that blends their cultural heritages continues to grow, promising a celebration that will captivate audiences worldwide. For now, fans and followers eagerly await the next chapter in this extraordinary love story, one that continues to redefine the boundaries of tradition and modernity.