Just last week, it was announced Saudi Arabia would be participating in the global Miss Universe pageant, but now the organisation itself has come out denying such reports.
In an official statement from the Miss Universe organisation, the global pageant denied Saudi Arabia’s participation in the competition.
“We would like to categorically state that no selection process has been conducted in Saudi Arabia, and any such claims are false and misleading,” a firm statement read on the Miss Universe website.
“The selection of contestants to represent their respective countries in the Miss Universe competition is a rigorous process that adheres strictly to our policies and guidelines. Each country’s selection is carried out in accordance with established criteria and regulations, ensuring fairness and transparency in the selection of participants.”
The statement continued, “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 a national director to represent.
“Saudi Arabia will not have this opportunity to join our prestigious pageant until this is final and confirmed by our approval committee.”
Rumy Alqahtani: the first Miss Universe Saudi Arabia?
At the end of last month, it was reported the Kingdom was to enter the global pageant for the first time. Rumy Alqahtani, a 27-year-old model, was unveiled as the “first Miss Universe Saudi Arabia”.
The beauty queen herself announced it on her Instagram page saying she was “Honoured to participate in Miss Universe 2024”. The model was photographed in a strapless crystallised evening gown, a crown and the KSA flag in hand.
With comments like “you are the pride of Saudi Arabia” flooding in from her one million followers, the forged news was received positively.
Alqahtani also claims to hold a number of other pageant titles including Miss Arab Peace, Miss Woman SA, Miss Europe SA, Miss Planet SA and more.
Miss Universe 2024
In the 2024 iteration of Miss Universe, Arab nations set to represent the region including Lebanon and Egypt, while the only confirmed GCC nation to participate in the pageant is Bahrain.
Most recently, Lujane Yacoub took the stage in El Salvador as the Bahraini representative in the 2023 competition.
This year’s Miss Universe competition will take place in Mexico.
“We are committed to showcasing diversity and inclusivity on our global stage, celebrating the beauty and talents of women from all walks of life,” the organisation affirmed.
