Inside Zohran Mamdani and Rama Duwaji's Elegant Dubai Wedding: NYC's First Muslim Mayor's Love Story

Zohran Mamdani and Rama Duwaji celebrated their union with an elegant engagement and nikah ceremony in Dubai in December 2024, marking the beginning of their journey together.

Making history as New York City's first Muslim mayor and the youngest in over a century, Zohran Mamdani had his wife Rama Duwaji by his side throughout his campaign journey. The 28-year-old Syrian-American artist has maintained a relatively low profile despite her husband's rising political prominence.

The couple's love story began on the dating app Hinge in 2021, with their engagement following in October 2024. Their Dubai celebration took place on the rooftop of Vida Creek Harbour, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Burj Khalifa.

LMF Dubai transformed the venue into an enchanting white garden featuring ivory roses, lisianthus, and cascading greenery. Mamdani looked distinguished in a navy blue kurta, while Duwaji radiated elegance in a silver-toned white gown for their ceremony.

The floral design company later shared on Instagram, "This engagement and Nikkah were more than an event — it was a floral installation set against Dubai's dusky skyline," showcasing their exquisite decorations.

The couple reportedly held a civil ceremony in New York in February 2025. In May, Mamdani shared wedding photos taken in a NYC subway, addressing political attacks with a heartfelt message: "Three months ago, I married the love of my life, Rama, at the City Clerk's office. Now, right-wing trolls are trying to make this race — which should be about you — about her. Rama isn't just my wife; she's an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms. You can critique my views, but not my family."

Duwaji is an accomplished illustrator whose work has appeared in prestigious publications including The Cut, BBC, Vogue, and The New Yorker. Born in Houston, she relocated to Dubai with her family at age 9 and later earned a master's degree in illustration from New York's School of Visual Arts.

She reportedly contributed her artistic talents to designing Mamdani's mayoral logos and developing the campaign's distinctive yellow, orange, and blue branding.

Throughout the campaign, Duwaji supported key moments, including casting their primary votes together and attending his final rally at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, where Mamdani delivered his closing speech alongside Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders.

In July, the couple celebrated their marriage with a three-day reception at Mamdani's family estate in Buziga Hill, Kampala, Uganda. The event featured extensive security measures, including armed guards, multiple security checkpoints, a phone-jamming system, luxury vehicles, and lively celebrations with music and dancing into the night.

The Uganda celebration, attended by Mamdani's parents—acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and respected Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani—drew online criticism for its lavishness.