Beauty pageant Miss Universe stated that Saudi Arabia is not yet on the list of participants. The organizers of the Miss Universe were prompted to issue an official statement after news circulated in the media regarding the participation of the country in the Miss Universe Contest 2024.
The statement added that no formal selection process for the candidates has taken place in the Kingdom and that contestants would have to undergo a rigorous vetting process before qualifying to represent their country.
“While Saudi Arabia is not yet among those countries fully confirmed participating this year, we are currently undergoing a rigorous vetting process qualifying a potential candidate to be awarded the franchise and assigned a national director to represent,” the statement explained, underscoring that Saudi Arabia’s participation would only be finalized upon approval by the organization’s committee.
The statement from the organizers came after the Saudi model claimed that she would be participating in the event from Saudi Arabia.
Picture of a 27-year-old model holding the country’s flag in the pictures went viral on social media. She shared her pictures confirming her participation in the Miss Universe pageant. She will become the first model to represent the country.
Rumy Alqahatni, an influencer with one million followers and a beauty pageant veteran, announced that she will be representing the country in the contest.
“I am honored to participate in the Miss Universe 2024 competition. This is the debut of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the competition,” she wrote in Arabic on Instagram.
Read more: Saudi model becomes first in the country to join Miss Universe pageant
Upon revealing the news, the model released images showcasing her in a glamorous beauty queen ensemble. She was adorned in a strapless gown adorned with sequins, a tiara perched elegantly atop her head, and a sash draped over her shoulder. In her hands, she proudly held the flag of Saudi Arabia.
Hailing from Riyadh, Alqahtani is well-acquainted with the limelight. She has participated in several international beauty pageants, including her most recent appearance at Miss and Mrs Global Asian in Malaysia just a few weeks back.