Armed with beauty, vision and an unyielding love for her country, Lujane Yacoub sets off for Miss Universe 2023. The beauty queen won the steep competition for Miss Universe Bahrain 2023 this September, at just 19 years old. Now, she jets off to El Salvador to compete in this year’s globally renowned and prestigious Miss Universe stage.
Who is Lujane Yacoub?
With the annual pageantry set for November 18th, the young Lujane is the picture of resilience. Not only because she is the youngest to hold the Miss Universe Bahrain crown since its onset. But also because she sits as the only woman from the Gulf region to represent her country on the global stage. Born to a Bahrani father and an American mother, Lujane will step onto the international stage with pride and self-determination.
Her life changed somewhat overnight after her first big win. With almost 40,000 new Instagram followers, Lujane quickly committed to using her platform productively. As someone who overcame her learning disability through finding her voice in the arts. It was no shock to see her amplify the voices and the work of those working with said sectors. In addition to volunteering as a children’s art teacher at the Bahrain Trust Foundation. She’s launched her own platform, Hero Project, in which she lends her ever-growing platform to charities and movements that align with her mission. As if that’s not enough, she is also the nation’s first Smile Train ambassador, a charity that offers corrective surgery to children with cleft lips and palates.
The personification of staying true to your values, Lujane Yacoub has no intention to stop. Dedicated to her mission, she continues to pour change and progress into the realms of creativity and health, for children.
Capturing hearts at Miss Universe 2023
Though Miss Universe 2023 is set to take the stage in a few short days, Lujane began preparations for it immediately after she qualified. “I’ve just spent a month in the Philippines,” she explained to Arab News, where the rigorous pageantry training took place.
“From gown fittings, pageant walk training, question-and-answer training, photo shoots,” she continues listing, the demands on a never-ending upward trajectory. So alongside building her philanthropic resume, she’s been dedicating long hours and sleepless rehearsal days to her role on the Miss Universe stage.
In its 72nd year, the international pageantry continues to be a life-changing and transforming opportunity. Lujane makes it clear that she has now intentions of taking it lightly. Dedicated to pouring herself into this role, she promises to “wave the Bahrain flag proudly.” She belts her voice on the global stage, not only for herself and her mission. But the collective mission of her nation and the greater Gulf region.
A symbol of excellence and beauty, we’re holding our breath for Miss Bahrain.
