In A Historic First, Saudi Arabia To Debut In Miss Universe Pageant: Know More

Saudi Arabia has achieved a milestone by participating in the Miss Universe pageant for the first time ever. The global event, scheduled to take place in Mexico on September 18, will feature 27-year-old Rumy Alqahtani as the Kingdom’s inaugural contestant. In a statement shared on Instagram, the Riyadh-born model and content creator expressed her honour in representing Saudi Arabia on the prestigious international stage.

Who is Rumy Alqahtani?

Rumy Alqahtani's participation is celebrated as a significant step forward for Saudi women's empowerment. With a background in dentistry, she has previously represented Saudi Arabia in various international competitions, including Miss Asia, Miss Arab Peace, and Miss Europe.

Crowned as Miss Saudi Arabia, Alqahtani holds additional titles such as Miss Middle East and Miss Arab World Peace 2021. With a substantial social media following, she is fluent in English, French, and Arabic.

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A post shared by rumy alqahtani | رومي القحطاني 🇸🇦 (@rumy_alqahtani)

Saudi Arabia's Ongoing Transformation:

Rumy Alqahtani's participation in the Miss Universe pageant reflects Saudi Arabia's evolving landscape under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, commonly known as MBS. Since assuming the role of crown prince in 2017, MBS has spearheaded significant reforms through the "Vision 2030" plan. These reforms include granting women the right to drive, attend public events, and obtain passports without male guardian consent. Furthermore, the Kingdom has lifted bans on cinemas and encouraged mixed-gender gatherings, signalling a departure from traditional norms.

Saudi Arabia's debut in the Miss Universe pageant with Rumy Alqahtani marks a groundbreaking moment in the country's history and its ongoing journey towards social and cultural transformation. As the Kingdom embraces progressive changes under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Rumy Alqahtani's participation serves as a testament to the increasing empowerment of Saudi women on the global stage.

Miss Universe 2024

The Miss Universe 2024 pageant is set to take place in Mexico, where Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua will pass on her crown to the next titleholder. The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) is an international entity that embraces diversity, honouring various cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs. The pageant typically extends over a month, from March to June, encompassing rehearsals, public appearances, and preliminary rounds, culminating in the crowning of the new winner by the reigning titleholder at the final event.