The Miss Universe pageant has denied reports that Saudi Arabia will take part in the competition for the first time, this year.
After Saudi model Rumy Alqahtani asserted on social media that she would be the kingdom's first representative in the esteemed pageant in 73-year history, the organizers issued the statement shared online by New York Times journalist Vivian Nereim.
The statement reads:
“We would like to categorically state that no selection process has been conducted in Saudi Arabia and any such claims are false and misleading.
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 added that while Saudi Arabia is not yet among those countries “fully participating this year” it is undergoing a vetting process.
It continued:
“Saudi Arabia will not have this opportunity to join our prestigious pageant until this is final and confirmed by our approval committee.”
Here is Alqahtani's post, showcasing photos of her holding the Saudi flag and adorned with a Miss Universe sash, rapidly spread online, as she would have been the first Saudi woman to compete for the crown.
Announcing her entrance in a post on Instagram, 27-year-old Alqahtani wrote:
“I am honored to participate in the Miss Universe International 2024 competition.
This is the first participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe competition”.
However, Miss Universe clarified that Saudi Arabia is not among the 100+ countries scheduled to participate in this year’s pageant in Mexico.
Even after the announcement, the model has not taken down the post or provided any response.
It is pertinent to mention here that Born in Riyadh, Rumy Alqahtani is a certified dentist. She boasts an impressive resume, which includes participation in several beauty pageants, such as Miss Arab Peace, Miss Planet, and Miss Middle East.