Saudi Arabia participates in Miss Universe pageant for historic first time

Saudi Arabia has officially entered the Miss Universe beauty pageant, with Rumy Alqahtani as the Islamic country’s first representative.

It’s another step for Saudi Arabia, which has shed its conservative trappings under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

Model Rumy Alqahtani, 27, shared on Instagram on Monday that she will be the first contestant from the country to compete in an international beauty pageant.

“This is the first time Saudi Arabia has participated in the Miss Universe competition,” Rumi wrote on Instagram.

This is the first time Saudi Arabia has participated in the Miss Universe pageant, according to Khaleej Times and ABC News.

Who is model RUMY ALQAHTANI?

Alqahtani, who hails from Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh, is known for competing in global beauty pageants, including her most recent entry in the Miss and Mrs. Asia Global competition held in Malaysia a few weeks ago.

“My contribution is to understand world culture and convey our true Saudi culture and heritage to the world,” Rumy Alqahtani said, according to Arab News.

In addition to being crowned Miss Saudi Arabia, she also holds the titles of Miss Middle East (Saudi Arabia), Miss Peace Arab World 2021 and Miss Women (Saudi Arabia).

The Riyadh-born model and content creator, who has 1 million followers on Instagram and about 2,000 followers on The excitement of the game.

“I am honored to participate in the Miss Asia International 2024 competition in Malaysia,” Qahtani said in the post.

Last year, Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios was crowned Miss Universe 2023.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s reforms

Saudi Arabia, long known for its conservatism, is now Transformation under 38-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmanan avid “Call of Duty” player.

The crown prince often sports a full beard and wears traditional Arab robes and sandals. As the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia has historically maintained strict social and religious controls.

However, these strict restrictions have been relaxed in recent months.

This shift has attracted worldwide attention, especially Lift restrictions on women, allowing them to drive and attend mixed-gender eventsand apply for a passport without a male guardian.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia, known for its strict prohibition on alcohol, has agreed to allow non-Muslim diplomats to purchase alcohol.