Saudi Arabia’s bet is a beauty pageant veteran and an influencer!
Saudi Arabia is set to record a historic milestone in the world of pageantry by sending its first-ever candidate to the 73rd edition of Miss Universe.
The middle-eastern country will debut on the stage of Miss Universe through Rumy Alqahtani—an influencer and a beauty pageant veteran.
Rumy has been in the pageant world for quite some time now, having won different titles.
As shown in her Instagram bio, she was hailed as Miss Arab Peace, Miss Woman Saudi Arabia, Miss Europe Saudi Arabia, Miss Planet Saudi Arabia, Miss Middle East Saudi Arabia, Miss Arab Unity Saudi Arabia, and Miss Asia Saudi Arabia.
Not only does she hold a plethora of local and regional titles—she also has quite an experience in joining international pageants, having represented her country in Miss Planet International, Miss Global Asia, and Miss World 2021.
IMAGE: rumy_alqahtani on Instagram
IMAGE: rumy_alqahtani on Instagram
Rumy announced the news through her Instagram account on Monday, March 25, 2024. She writes, “Honored to participate in Miss Universe 2024. This is the first participation of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe competition.”
New Zealand returns to Miss Universe via Franki Russell
As more and more countries announce their cards for the highly anticipated competition, the game will surely be tighter with New Zealand’s return.
With New Zealand’s last participation in 2019, its comeback is slated this year via Filipino-Kiwi Franki Russell. The former “Pinoy Big Brother Otso” alum was announced as an official delegate through an online magazine.
According to Franki’s Instagram post, the opportunity she holds “feels like a ten-year journey in the making.” This is mainly from the fact that she first tried her chances for Miss Universe New Zealand in 2014 but eventually failed. .
At a time when she felt like she did not know who she was as a person, she felt lost. But the ensuing ten years led to her redemption, saying that “Life definitely works in mysterious ways.”
“Everything happens for a reason,” and has lead me to this new role,” she adds.
Banner Art Paulo Correa
