The 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, set for November 21 in Pak Kret, Thailand, will feature a groundbreaking roster of contestants from the Middle East. With an estimated global audience of 500 million, the event will spotlight delegates from across the region, including historic first-time participations and powerful advocacy stories.
A Platform for Purpose and Representation
This year’s competition moves beyond glamour, with several contestants emphasizing the platform’s power for advocacy and cultural representation. From raising voices for humanitarian causes to championing women’s empowerment, the Middle Eastern delegates are poised to make an impact on the global stage.
Trailblazers from the Region
Mariam Mohamed (UAE)
Making history as the first Emirati to represent the nation, 26-year-old Mariam Mohamed is a fashion student and enthusiast of traditional pursuits, such as falconry. “The UAE has given me the confidence to dream big,” she stated, adding that her participation is “about impact” for ambitious women everywhere.
Nadeen Ayoub (Palestine)
In a historic debut for Palestine, 27-year-old Nadeen Ayoub will take the stage. A wellness coach with a degree in literature and psychology, she told The National she feels a “huge responsibility” to use the platform. “I’m going to carry the voice of a people who refuse to be silenced,” Ayoub said. “No one should be silent about the injustice that’s happening.”
Hanin Al Qoreishy (Iraq)
Representing Iraq after a multi-year absence from the pageant is Hanin Al Qoreishy. A 27-year-old entrepreneur based in Houston, Texas, she is an advocate for child refugees, a cause inspired by her own experience of immigrating to the United States from Iraq at the age of 12.
Sarah Boujaoude (Lebanon)
The 20-year-old finance student and model, who was the first runner-up at Miss Lebanon 2024, will represent her country. She has committed to promoting self-acceptance. “I urge every woman, especially young women, to appreciate themselves as they are and to believe that true beauty starts from within,” Boujaoude said.
Sahar Biniaz (Persia)
Canadian-born Sahar Biniaz, 40, returns to the Miss Universe stage after an injury prevented her from competing in 2012. As Miss Universe Persia, she aims to represent the strength of Persian women. “I stand for the woman who has endured restrictions but never surrendered,” she affirmed.
The participation of these women marks a significant moment for regional representation, turning the international spotlight on the diverse voices and stories from the Middle East.
