The Miss Universe Organization is in the process of vetting a potential candidate to represent Saudi Arabia in the upcoming Miss Universe competition, organizers revealed to AFP this week. Maria Jose Unda, the organization’s coordinator of international relations, stated, “We’ll have a decision on the National Director for Saudi Arabia very, very soon,” hinting at the possibility of having a Saudi contestant in place for the event scheduled in September in Mexico.
The announcement follows a social media buzz generated by Saudi model Rumy al-Qahtani in late March, where she posted on Instagram that she was “honored” to represent Saudi Arabia at Miss Universe. However, the Miss Universe Organization swiftly responded, labeling Qahtani’s claim as “false and misleading,” asserting that no selection process had taken place in the Gulf kingdom.
If Saudi Arabia does field a Miss Universe candidate, it would mark another milestone in the nation’s efforts to reform its ultra-conservative image. The move aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s agenda to attract tourists and investors by softening stringent societal norms.
Despite progress, Saudi Arabia still faces criticism over its treatment of women, with activists citing ongoing discrimination in personal status laws and crackdowns on dissent. Qahtani’s potential participation in Miss Universe represents a push against these barriers, with the model affirming that negotiations are ongoing.
Qahtani, in her first interview since the Instagram post, expressed her hope for a positive outcome, stating, “We are still negotiating, and hopefully it will result in a happy ending.” She acknowledged facing backlash, particularly regarding her attire and use of the Saudi flag in photos, but maintained her resolve, saying, “I didn’t mean anything offensive at all.”
Her mother, Fawzia Ayed, expressed pride in her daughter’s journey, noting the inspiration she provides to other Saudi women. “Rumy has encouraged a lot of girls,” she remarked, highlighting the changing societal landscape in Saudi Arabia.