New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, is facing criticism over plans to travel to Portugal for what is reportedly her third luxury Islamic women’s retreat this year.

Duwaji is scheduled to participate as an “artist in residence” at the “Journey Through Islamic Calligraphy” retreat organized by The Women Sanctuary. According to the retreat’s website, prices range from approximately $4,300 for shared accommodations to $5,260 for a private room with a bathroom.

The program includes exploring Islamic history and heritage in Portugal as well as an illustration workshop led by Duwaji.

The upcoming trip follows another retreat Duwaji attended last month on the Spanish island of Mallorca, where she participated in a “spiritual wellness” program organized by the same group.

The trips have drawn criticism from Mamdani’s political opponents, including Queens Councilwoman Joann Ariola, who contrasted Duwaji’s activities with previous New York City first ladies who focused on visiting schools and charitable work.

“Being Zohran Mamdani’s wife must be very stressful, because this first lady is more interested in vacations than in issues affecting New Yorkers,” Ariola told the New York Post.

Former City Councilman Bob Holden also criticized the couple, accusing them of behaving like “jet-setters” rather than focusing on New Yorkers and calling the trips an example of what he described as hypocrisy within the Mamdani administration.

Duwaji has also faced scrutiny over previously reported social media activity. Reports earlier this year highlighted old posts and interactions attributed to her that included inflammatory anti-Israel content and criticism of the U.S. military.

Mamdani has previously defended his wife from political attacks, arguing that she does not hold an official position in his administration and should not be treated as a political figure.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)