Rama Duwaji, the wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, reportedly traveled to Spain for a spiritual retreat days before the nation's 250th birthday celebrations. Duwaji was seen departing from Newark last week, according to reports.
While in Spain, Duwaji allegedly participated in a six-day "Plants of the Quran" retreat on the island of Mallorca, which began on Wednesday and concluded Monday. The event, organized by The Women's Sanctuary, explored plants mentioned in Islamic scripture through art and botanical workshops. Attendees paid $3,400 for the program. Duwaji, 29, is listed as an artist in residence and co-host for the sold-out retreat.
Following the Mallorca retreat, Duwaji was scheduled to travel to Corsica, France, to co-host another retreat, "Mary in the Quran," from July 9-14. This event focuses on the life of Mary as depicted in the Quran.
Duwaji's absence from July 4th festivities coincided with her husband's administration urging New York City residents to set their air conditioning units to 78 degrees Fahrenheit amid a sweltering heatwave. Mayor Mamdani himself remained in the United States and delivered remarks from New York City to commemorate America's 250th birthday.
Conservative commentator Arynne Wexler criticized Duwaji's travel plans, noting the irony of her departing the country for a retreat while the city experienced high temperatures and the mayor advised residents on energy conservation. The images of Duwaji boarding her flight were initially shared by Wexler.
Oli London also commented on the situation, stating that Duwaji "ditched America to attend the $3,400 'Plants Of The Quran' retreat in Spain as Americans celebrated Independence Day."
The New York Mayor's office was contacted for confirmation regarding Duwaji's participation in the retreat. Mayor Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji were previously photographed together in January.
