An unprecedented event is unfolding this year as Saudi Arabia announces its maiden foray into the Miss Universe competition with its debut participant, well-known model Rumy Alqahtani. Born in Riyadh, this beauty has already proven her mettle at several global pageants. Amongst her collection of titles include her victories at the Miss and Mrs Global Asian contest in Malaysia.
At 27, Alqahtani is more than just a model – she influences a million-strong following on Instagram as well. With a handful of prestigious awards under her belt such as Miss Saudi Arabia, Miss Middle East, Miss Arab World Peace, and Miss Woman Saudi Arabia, as per Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, her journey just seems to be soaring higher.
She is now set to make history as the Kingdom’s inaugural representative at the Miss Universe pageant, an esteemed international competition since 1952. Announcing her participation with immense pride, Alqahtani, elegantly clad in a sequin ballgown and a Miss Universe Saudi Arabia sash took to Instagram. Beside the Saudi flag, she conveyed, “This is the debut of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the competition. I am honoured.”
Saudi Arabia’s journey into the fashion and modelling realm is still nascent. A series of reforms by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have eased stringent societal norms, paving the path for inclusivity of fashion shows and entertainment variants.
The popular model Shahad Salman, known as the Saudi version of Winnie Harlow thanks to her similar vitiligo condition, has also managed to grab global attention with her appearance in international fashion publications.
Participation from various Arab nations including Lebanon and Bahrain in the Miss Universe contests, with the former known for its absence of a swimwear round in comparison with its counterpart Miss World, has been recorded before. A unique round allows contestants to showcase their national dress, adding a touch of tradition to the competition.
Despite BDS and Arab campaigners advocating for a boycott, the 2021 Miss Universe contest took place in Israel. As Alqahtani steps into this international platform, it marks a significant phase in Saudi Arabia’s cultural and societal evolution.
