The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) recently weighed in on the swirling rumors about Saudi Arabia’s first-ever entry into the pageant. Cutting through the speculation, they’ve made it clear on their website: so far, Saudi Arabia isn’t on the list of countries set to strut their stuff on the global stage in Mexico in September.
“We would like to categorically state that no selection process has been conducted in Saudi Arabia, and any such claims are false and misleading,” the statement read. The MUO said that the selection of contestants to represent their respective countries in the competition is a “rigorous process that adheres strictly to our policies and guidelines” and that each participating country’s selection is in line with established criteria and regulations.
“While Saudi Arabia is not yet among those countries fully confirmed participating this year, we are currently undergoing a rigorous vetting process qualifying a potential candidate to be awarded the franchise and assigned national director to represent,” it said, underscoring that Saudi Arabia’s participation would only be finalized upon approval by the organization’s committee.
The Miss Universe Organization’s clarification comes hot on the heels of a social media stir caused by Saudi model Rumy al-Qahtani. With a post that quickly caught fire online, al-Qahtani announced she would be representing Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe 2024 competition, hinting at the country’s first-ever foray into the illustrious pageant. “Honored to participate in Miss Universe 2024,” Qahtani captioned a picture of herself standing next to the Saudi flag. “This is the first participation of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe competition,” she added.
Her photo, emblazoned with the Saudi flag and draped in a sash proclaiming her “Miss Universe Saudi Arabia,” sparked a flurry of excitement and backlash across social media.
Hailing from Riyadh, the 28-year-old is a seasoned pageant contestant, having notably won several titles including Miss Saudi Arabia, Miss Middle East, Miss Arab World Peace 2021, and Miss Woman (Saudi Arabia.)
While her participation in the annual pageant isn’t confirmed, one hundred contestants from different countries will be competing for the crown in the 73rd edition of the competition, which will be held in Mexico. Notably, this edition will mark the debut of Iran— which is going by Persia. The first edition of Miss Universe Persia will be open to all Iranian women around the world in Italy on June 17, since they are unable to hold the competition in Iran, and the name Persia will be used on the global stage.
