For the first time in history, a Saudi Arabian woman, Rumy Alqahtani, will be competing in the prestigious Miss Universe Pageant in 2024. Her participation is a landmark moment for Saudi Arabia and for women’s empowerment in the region.
Rumy Alqahtani’s participation in the Miss Universe Pageant is seen as a significant step forward for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, as part of the broader social and economic reforms being led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Alqahtani took to Instagram to express her excitement at the opportunity to represent Saudi Arabia in Miss Universe. Her participation is historic not only for her country, but also for the Gulf region, following the example of Lujane Yacoub, a Bahraini woman who competed in the previous year’s pageant. Alqahtani’s participation is seen as a sign of changing times in the region, as Saudi Arabia and its neighbors seek to reform and open up to the world.
The Miss Universe Pageant, to be held in Mexico on September 18, is set to make history with not only Saudi Arabia’s debut, but also that of Iran.
The Independent reports that Alqahtani is a highly accomplished woman, holding a degree in dentistry and being fluent in multiple languages. She has also won a number of prestigious titles, including Miss Saudi Arabia, Miss Middle East (Saudi Arabia), Miss Arab World Peace 2021 and Miss Woman (Saudi Arabia).