In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia is set to make its mark on the global stage as Rumy Alqahtani, a 27-year-old Riyadh-born model and content creator, takes center stage at the prestigious Miss Universe pageant in Mexico this year.
Breaking barriers in the conservative Kingdom, Alqahtani, armed with a bachelor’s degree in dentistry, emerges as a trailblazer representing Saudi Arabia. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, her participation signifies a significant shift in perceptions and opportunities for women in the region.
The Islamic Republic of Iran will also debut in this year’s competition, further highlighting the expanding diversity within the Miss Universe platform.
This comes on the heels of last year’s pageant, which saw notable inclusivity strides, including the participation of two transgender women and a plus-size model from Nepal who reached the semi-finals. As the global stage evolves, Saudi Arabia’s debut promises to add another layer of diversity and empowerment to the Miss Universe legacy.
