This year might see the first-ever Miss Universe contestant from Saudi Arabia.

Photo-AFP

Saudi Arabia is on the brink of potentially sending its first-ever contestant to the Miss Universe competition, signaling a notable shift in the country's cultural landscape. The Miss Universe Organization is currently in the process of evaluating a candidate for the Saudi Arabia franchise, with a decision expected imminently. This development follows a social media announcement by Saudi model Rumy al-Qahtani, who claimed to have been selected to represent the kingdom at the upcoming Miss Universe event.

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Despite initial skepticism from Miss Universe officials regarding Qahtani's claim, negotiations are reportedly underway to finalize Saudi Arabia's participation in the prestigious pageant. If successful, this milestone would underscore Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to modernize its societal norms and shed its conservative image, particularly under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. While the kingdom has made strides in granting women more rights, challenges persist, including ongoing human rights concerns and societal backlash against progressive initiatives.

Nevertheless, Qahtani remains undeterred in her pursuit, navigating both international pageantry norms and domestic criticism with resilience. Her potential participation in Miss Universe symbolizes a significant cultural shift and serves as inspiration for aspiring Saudi women seeking greater representation on the global stage.