Saudi Arabia has achieved a significant milestone by officially entering the Miss Universe pageant this year for the first time. The global event is set to take place in Mexico on September 18.
In an announcement shared on Instagram, 27-year-old Rumy Alqahtani revealed her participation as the Kingdom’s first-ever contestant in the international beauty pageant.
“I am honored to participate in the Miss Universe 2024 competition. This marks the first participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe pageant,” the Riyadh-born model and content creator wrote in her post on Monday.
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Alqahtani’s participation follows in the footsteps of Bahrain’s Lujane Yacoub, who represented her country in the Miss Universe pageant last year, becoming the first woman from the Gulf region to do so.
Who is Rumy Alqahtani?
Alqahtani’s involvement is hailed as a milestone in empowering Saudi women. She has previously represented the Kingdom in numerous international competitions, including Miss Asia in Malaysia, Miss Arab Peace, and Miss Europe, according to a report by Gulf Today.
Apart from being crowned Miss Saudi Arabia, she holds titles such as Miss Middle East (Saudi Arabia), Miss Arab World Peace 2021, and Miss Woman (Saudi Arabia). With a million followers on Instagram and thousands more on other social media platforms, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in dentistry and is fluent in English, French, and Arabic.
This historic move reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
Known as MBS, the 38-year-old de facto ruler has overseen changes in the country’s history since becoming crown prince in June 2017.
He has spearheaded the ambitious “Vision 2030” plan aimed at bringing social and economic reforms to Saudi Arabia. Women are now permitted to drive, attend public sporting events and concerts alongside men, and obtain passports without male guardian approval. The Kingdom has also lifted its ban on cinemas and encouraged mixed-gender events, marking a significant departure from its traditional norms.
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