Saudi Arabia To Make Historic Debut At Miss Universe Pageant

Rumy Alqahtani

Saudi Arabia will compete in the Miss Universe competition in 2024

The prestigious 2024 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant will welcome a female delegate from Saudi Arabia for the first time ever.

The largest region of the country, Riyadh, is home to 27-year-old Rumy Alqahtani, who will represent the Islamic nation in the competition, which takes place in Mexico on September 18.

This is a critical turning point for the reforms that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has pushed for.

Alqahtani, a council member from Riyadh, used Instagram to share her joy for the chance and stress the significance of Saudi Arabia's first-ever appearance at the renowned pageant.

Using Instagram, she posted the following: 

“I hold in my hands the colors of gratitude and love. And in my heart, appreciation and praise to all my friends around the world, this support that made me happy in gathering social media, and I hope to be in good faith, and I am happy because I am the first Miss Saudi Arabia to represent my country in international competitions (I love you). Thank you to all my friends for supporting and your love you. I love you all.”

She is the successor to Lujane Yacoub of Bahrain, who created history by being the first competitor from the conservative Gulf area to place first in the previous Miss Universe pageant.

Alqahtani holds a Bachelor's degree in dentistry and exhibits fluency in three languages: Arabic, French, and English.

Among her accomplishments are titles like Miss Middle East (Saudi Arabia), Miss Saudi Arabia, and Miss Arab World Peace 2021.

Alqahtani has competed in a number of international pageants, such as the most recent Miss and Mrs Global Asian in Malaysia. Her participation marks a major advancement in the direction of greater diversity and representation.

The declaration has, however, drawn criticism and controversy from traditional Muslims, especially in Nigeria, underscoring the ongoing discussion about social and cultural norms.