This archive report was first published on 8 July 2019.
Celebrity Chef Ali Mandhry on His Arranged Marriage to Khadija Abdalla ¶
Published on July 8, 2019
Celebrity Chef Ali Mandhry and his wife Khadija Abdalla have been married since 2014, but they didn't meet until their wedding night. In an interview with Standard's Sunday Magazine, they shared their experience with an arranged marriage, which they believe has brought them joy and a loving relationship.
Ali, 31, and Khadija, 23, at the time of their marriage, come from a community in Mombasa where arranged marriages are common. Ali's mother approached Khadija's family through her aunt, and they agreed to the proposal. The couple exchanged photos, and Ali was immediately smitten. Khadija, on the other hand, did some online research on Ali and was impressed by his success and ambition.
The couple didn't meet in person until their wedding night, six months after their engagement. They were both shy and nervous, but they quickly settled into their new life together. They now have two daughters, Princess Alyaanah and Princess Anaya, who bring them joy and happiness.
Ali and Khadija believe that their arranged marriage has been a success, and they attribute it to their commitment to each other and their communication. They have learned to resolve their differences and have a loving and supportive relationship.
When asked if they would support their children if they chose to have an arranged marriage, Khadija replied,
