Saudi Arabia has made a significant stride by officially debuting in the esteemed Miss Universe pageant this year, marking a momentous occasion for the kingdom. Set to grace the global stage in Mexico on September 18, this revelation was unveiled via Instagram by Rumy Alqahtani, a 27-year-old model and content creator hailing from Riyadh, who proudly announced her role as the inaugural contestant representing Saudi Arabia in this renowned beauty spectacle.
In her Instagram post on Monday, Alqahtani expressed her profound honor at being part of the Miss Universe 2024 competition, underscoring the significance of Saudi Arabia’s debut in this prestigious pageant. This bold step follows in the footsteps of Lujane Yacoub from Bahrain, who made history as the first woman from the Gulf region to participate in Miss Universe last year.
Who is Rumy Alqahtani?
Alqahtani’s involvement serves as a landmark moment in the empowerment of Saudi women. Her illustrious journey includes representation for the Kingdom in various international competitions, such as Miss Asia in Malaysia, Miss Arab Peace, and Miss Europe, as reported by Gulf Today. Notably crowned Miss Saudi Arabia, she holds esteemed titles like Miss Middle East (Saudi Arabia), Miss Arab World Peace 2021, and Miss Woman (Saudi Arabia). With a substantial following of over a million on Instagram and a multilingual proficiency encompassing English, French, and Arabic, Alqahtani is not only a symbol of beauty but also a testament to academic prowess, holding a Bachelor’s degree in dentistry.
This historic leap reflects the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
Popularly known as MBS, the 38-year-old de facto ruler has been instrumental in steering the nation towards a progressive trajectory since assuming the role of crown prince in June 2017. Central to his vision is the ambitious “Vision 2030” plan, aimed at ushering in comprehensive social and economic reforms across Saudi Arabia.
Under MBS’s stewardship, women have gained newfound freedoms, including the right to drive, attend public sporting events and concerts alongside men, and acquire passports without male guardian approval. Additionally, the Kingdom has lifted its ban on cinemas and embraced mixed-gender events, signaling a departure from traditional norms and embracing a more inclusive and dynamic societal landscape.