Meet Nadeen Ayoub, The Dubai Resident Making History As Palestine’s First Miss Universe Contestant
From Palestine, with pride
Photo: @nadeen.m.ayoub, Instagram
A Dubai resident is set to make history at this year’s Miss Universe contest.
Nadeen Ayoub will take to the stage as the first-ever contestant representing Palestine as part of the Miss Universe contest, which will take place in central Thailand this November.
The Miss Palestine contestant announced the groundbreaking news in a heartfelt Instagram post.
“As Palestine endures heartbreak – especially in Gaza – I carry the voice of a people who refuse to be silenced. I represent every Palestinian woman and child whose strength the world needs to see,” she said, as she announced her entry into the Miss Universe competition wearing a traditional dress by a Palestinian designer, Hiba Abdelkarim.
“We are more than our suffering – we are resilience, hope and the heartbeat of a homeland that lives on through us.”
Who is Nadeen Ayoub, the first Palestinian Miss Universe contestant?
Nadeen grew up between Palestine, the US and Canada and is now based between Dubai and Ramallah in the West Bank, according to reports.
At just 24, she made history in 2022 by becoming the first Palestinian woman to take part in the Miss Earth pageant, where she was a top-five finalist.
As for her professional life, Nadine secured a diploma in literature and psychology, as well as other certifications in health and nutrition. She moved back to Palestine to work as a health instructor, nutrition counsellor, and psychology teacher.
The Miss Universe contestant went on to found the Olive Green Academy, which trains Palestinian women in sustainability, empowering them to build eco-friendly businesses and grow to become climate advocates.
Beyond the spotlight, Nadeen dedicates herself to Sayidat Falasteen, a philanthropic platform supporting Palestinian women’s organisations to showcase their work and stories throughout the region.
