New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani married Syrian-American artist Rama Duwaji in a Dubai nikah ceremony, celebrating their union with friends and family in a private rooftop event in December 2024.
DUBAI: As Zohran Mamdani prepares to take office as New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, a more personal milestone is making waves — his wedding to Syrian-American artist Rama Duwaji. The couple, who met on the dating app Hinge in 2021, had a nikah in Dubai, where Duwaji grew up and where her family still lives. They got engaged in October 2024, held a private nikah ceremony two months later in Dubai, and made it official with a civil marriage at New York City Hall in February 2025.
The pair hosted their nikah celebration, choosing the scenic rooftop of Vida Creek Harbour as the venue. With a striking view of the Burj Khalifa in the background, the ceremony was attended by close friends and family. While Mamdani has been in the political spotlight for months, Duwaji, known for her expressive artwork, has largely kept a low profile.
The event was elegant but private, reflecting both their backgrounds and global roots. Mamdani, 34, is of Indian and Ugandan heritage, the son of filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani, while Duwaji’s family has deep ties to Dubai and Syria.
Their union adds a personal layer to a year already packed with public achievements for Mamdani. When he takes office on January 1, he’ll become New York’s youngest mayor in more than 100 years — and with his new role as husband, it’s been a landmark year on every front.
