Saudi Arabia could be sending its first contestant to the Miss Universe pageant this year, as per recent reports.
The Miss Universe Organisation is currently in the process of selecting a potential candidate to represent Saudi Arabia at the upcoming competition, which is scheduled to take place in September in Mexico.
The buzz started when Saudi model Rumy al-Qahtani announced on Instagram that she had been chosen to represent Saudi Arabia at Miss Universe. However, Miss Universe quickly clarified that no selection process had been carried out in Saudi Arabia at that time.
If Saudi Arabia does debut a contestant at Miss Universe, it would be a significant move in the country’s efforts to modernize its image. With Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman leading initiatives to attract tourists and investors, the country has been gradually easing restrictions on women, such as lifting the ban on driving and relaxing dress codes.
Despite these changes, human rights activists point out that discriminatory laws still exist, especially in matters related to marriage and family. Additionally, there have been crackdowns on activists, with some receiving lengthy prison sentences for expressing dissent on social media.
Rumy al-Qahtani, the potential Miss Universe candidate, has faced backlash for her participation in beauty pageants and her bold social media presence. However, she remains determined to pursue her dreams and make a positive impact, inspiring other Saudi women to break barriers and challenge societal norms.
As negotiations continue for the selection of the national director and the Saudi representative for Miss Universe, the spotlight remains on Saudi Arabia’s evolving stance on women’s rights and representation in the international arena. Whether Rumy al-Qahtani officially becomes the first Miss Universe contestant from Saudi Arabia or not, her journey showcases the changing landscape for women in the country.
