Mariam Mohamed, a 26-year-old fashion design student, has made history after being crowned Miss Universe UAE 2025, becoming the first Emirati woman to represent the country in the global Miss Universe pageant to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 21.
According to Khaleej Times, Mariam was chosen from more than 950 hopefuls across the UAE for her eloquence, confidence, and advocacy for women’s empowerment. “The UAE has given me the confidence to dream big,” she said. “I want to be a voice for women who are ambitious, curious, and driven. Miss Universe UAE is not just about beauty, it is about impact.”
Born and raised in the UAE, Mariam holds a degree in economics from the University of Sydney and is now studying fashion design at ESMOD Dubai. She bridges heritage and modernity—her interests range from falconry and camel riding to sustainable fashion and global cultural exchange.
Mariam has also been active in charitable and community initiatives such as Ramadan Aman and The Giving Family Initiative. Through her involvement in women’s entrepreneurship and sustainable design, she aims to promote poverty reduction, female empowerment, and community-building grounded in compassion.
National director Poppy Capella described Mariam as an embodiment of “UAE heritage, empowerment, and global perspective.” She said Mariam stood out for her academic excellence, advocacy work, and pride in Emirati culture, making her the ideal candidate to carry the UAE’s flag on the Miss Universe stage.
The 74th Miss Universe pageant will feature contestants from more than 100 countries. The coronation night will take place in Bangkok on November 21, with Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig set to crown her successor. The UAE’s debut will mark a new chapter in the nation’s growing representation in international platforms celebrating culture, confidence, and empowerment.
