New Delhi: Model Rumy Alqahtani from Saudi Arabia created history as she became the Islamic country’s first official entry in the Miss Universe pageant.
Rumy, a 27-year-old model, on Monday took to Instagram to share that she would be the first participant from the country in the international beauty pageant. “This is the first participation of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe competition,” Rumy wrote on the social media platform.
Hailing from Riyadh, Rumy has been participating in international beauty pageants. A few weeks ago, she walked the ramp in Miss and Mrs Global Asian competition held in Malaysia.
“I want to know cultures around the world and showcase our authentic Saudi culture and heritage to the world,” Arab News quoted her.
Besides being crowned Miss Saudi Arabia, Rumy also holds the titles of Miss Middle East (Saudi Arabia), Miss Arab World Peace 2021, and Miss Woman (Saudi Arabia).
With a million followers on Instagram and around two thousand on X, the Saudi model and content creator expressed her excitement about representing Saudi Arabia in the upcoming Miss Universe 2024 competition.
“I am honoured to participate in the Miss Asia International 2024 competition held in Malaysia,” Al-Qahtani said in a post. Last year, Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios was crowned Miss Universe 2023.
The participation of Rumy in the world pageant marks another advancement for Saudi Arabia, which has been gradually moving away from its conservative traditions under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
