For 1st Time Saudi Arabia to Participate in Miss Universe Pageant

In a major turn of events, Islamic nation Saudi Arabia has officially joined the Miss Universe pageant. Rumy Alqahtani will be the Saudi Arabia’s first-ever representative in the beauty pageant.

This move is being said to be another step of Saudi Arabia to come out of the conservative shroud under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

Rumy Alqahtani is a 27-year-old model. According to her post on Instagram, she would be the first participant from the country in the international beauty pageant.

This is the first time that Saudi Arabia will be participating in the Miss Universe beauty pageant, The Khaleej Times and ABC News reported.

Alqahtani hails from the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh. She recently participated in the Miss and Mrs Global Asian held in Malaysia.

Besides being crowned Miss Saudi Arabia, she holds the titles of Miss Middle East (Saudi Arabia), Miss Arab World Peace 2021, and Miss Woman (Saudi Arabia).

Saudi Arabia, long known for its conservatism, is recently loosening its tight restrictions, particularly with the lifting of constraints on women, allowing them to drive, attend mixed-gender events, and apply for passports without male guardianship.