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The 73rd edition of the annual Miss Universe beauty pageant is just around the corner, and this year’s event, held from November 14 to 16, 2024, in Mexico City, promises to be one of the most dynamic and inclusive yet, featuring contestants from 130 countries competing for the coveted title.
As current Miss Universe Sheynnis Placios of Nicaragua prepares to crown her successor, the Middle East will be strongly represented by five remarkable women, each bringing their unique stories, cultural heritage, and powerful messages to the global stage.
Below, GRAZIA highlights the Middle Eastern contestants to watch this year.
Miss Universe Egypt: Logina Salah
Logina Salah, a 34-year-old Dubai-based model, is proudly representing Egypt in the 2024 Miss Universe pageant. Known for her stunning beauty and resilience, Logina is also a vocal advocate for skin positivity. Diagnosed with vitiligo, a condition that causes depigmentation of the skin, she faced years of bullying and self-doubt. However, she has since embraced her condition, transforming her journey into an empowering story for others who may feel they don’t fit societal beauty standards.
Logina has made a name for herself in the fashion industry, collaborating with iconic brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Sephora. As a mother, influencer, and model, she’s dedicated to using her platform to motivate others, particularly women, to embrace their authentic selves.
Miss Universe Bahrain: Shereen Ahmed
At 29, Shereen Ahmed is returning to the Miss Universe stage after securing second runner-up at the Miss Universe Bahrain competition in 2022. The Filipino-Bahraini journalist and TV presenter’s journey into the pageant world began at a young age, when she first made her mark in the industry at just 15.
Shereen uses her platform to raise awareness of mental health issues, particularly anxiety and hypochondria, which she has personally struggled with. As Miss Universe Bahrain, she’s ready to shine a spotlight on mental health awareness, self-love, and the empowerment of women.
Miss Universe UAE: Emilia Dobreva
For the first time in Miss Universe history, the UAE will be represented by Emilia Dobreva. A mother of three and a successful model with an impressive career that includes walking the runway at New York Fashion Week and Dubai Fashion Week, Emilia’s beauty transcends her stunning looks.
Born in Pristina, Kosovo, and a long-time resident of Dubai, Emilia’s success story is a testament to her hard work and dedication. As the first UAE representative in Miss Universe, Emilia is breaking new ground.
Miss Universe Lebanon: Nada Koussa
Nada Koussa, 26, is the current Miss Universe Lebanon. As a licensed clinical psychologist, Nada has made it her life’s work to help others, specialising in couples therapy and mental health. She is deeply committed to promoting natural beauty and uses her platform to challenge traditional beauty stereotypes, encouraging women to embrace their unique traits rather than conform to societal ideals.
Her passion for mental health advocacy and body positivity is reflected in her work, which she plans to continue throughout her Miss Universe journey. With her strong background in psychology and her mission to empower women, Nada is ready to represent Lebanon in a truly meaningful way.
Miss Universe Persia: Ava Vahneshan
In a Miss Universe first, Iran will be represented by Ava Vahneshan, also known as Miss Universe Persia. Ava, a singer and Chinese medicine specialist, was chosen to represent Iran after a change in the pageant’s lineup. Originally crowned second-place winner in the Miss Universe Persia competition, Ava is stepping into the spotlight with a powerful message of unity and cultural pride.
A daughter of Iranian immigrants in Portugal, Ava sees her participation in Miss Universe as an opportunity to bring Persian culture and history to the global stage. With her background in music and alternative medicine, Ava is passionate about speaking up for those who are often unheard.
