Saudi model Rumy Alqahtani makes history as the first-ever contestant to represent the Kingdom at Miss Universe
26 March 2024
| Last updated on 27 March 2024
This is one for the history books.
For the first time ever, Saudi Arabia will participate in the Miss Universe pageant, with model and content creator Rumy Alqahtani representing the Kingdom's debut on the world stage.
The news was announced on Monday through the 27 year old Riyadh-born model's official social media account.
"I am honoured to participate in the Miss Universe International 2024 competition," read the caption.
A seasoned competitor and talent, Alqahtani has been participating in beauty pageants for years, representing KSA and earning the crown for Miss Woman, Miss Asia, Miss Middle East, Miss Planet, and more.
But this "is the first participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe competition," she said.
Image source: @rumy_alqahtani on Instagram
In previous interviews with news outlets, Alqahtani has expressed her desire to promote her nation's culture and heritage.
She has often walked pageant competitions wearing outfits representing Saudi-inspired designs.
Viewers will be seeing her at the upcoming 73rd Miss Universe 2024 competition, to be held from September 28 in Mexico.
The competition will see women from around the world participating in various themed rounds, including question and answer, and posing in evening gowns, traditional dresses, and swimsuits.
Pictured: Rumy Alqahtani in the Traditional Dress category at the Miss Asia pageant.
Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, the winner of Miss Universe 2023, will be crowning her successor at the end of the event.
Last year's Miss Universe event also saw its own firsts, as it was the first time the pageant opened the competition for married women and mothers to participate.
It was also the first time that the competition was hosted by an all-female cast.
