Monday, April 29, 2024
In a first, Saudi Arabia is poised to make its debut appearance in the Miss Universe pageant, signaling a significant milestone for the nation. Rumy Alqahtani, a seasoned participant in beauty pageants and a notable influencer, revealed the news of her country's representation in one of the world's most prestigious pageants via her social media account on Monday.
In an Instagram post, Alqahtani expressed her honor at being selected to compete in the Miss Universe 2024 competition. She wrote, “I am honored to participate in the Miss Universe 2024 competition. This is the first participation of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe competition."
Saudi Arabia's participation in the Miss Universe pageant comes amid a series of progressive steps taken by the kingdom in recent years to modernize and diversify its economy. Notably, the country has been actively encouraging tourism, opening its doors to international visitors and unveiling ambitious plans to develop tourism infrastructure and attractions.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia made global headlines in 2018 when it lifted the decades-old ban on women driving, marking a significant milestone in the kingdom's efforts towards gender equality and women's empowerment. This historic decision granted women the freedom to obtain driver's licenses and get behind the wheel, symbolizing a major shift in societal norms.
In addition to these reforms, Saudi Arabia has embarked on various initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural development. The kingdom has invested heavily in sectors such as technology and entertainment, hosting high-profile events and conferences to showcase its potential as a hub for creativity and innovation.
Organizers had announced last year that the upcoming edition of the pageant would take place in Mexico.
