Miss Universe organization clarifies rumors about Saudi Arabia’s involvement in 2024 pageant

The Miss Universe Organization has addressed reports about Saudi Arabia's alleged participation in the 2024 pageant. The organization has called these reports "false and misleading." If true, this would have been Saudi Arabia's first time participating in the pageant.

According to a statement given to CNN and posted on the official website, the pageant clarified that there has been no selection process in Saudi Arabia. Any claims suggesting otherwise are incorrect and misleading.

"Although Saudi Arabia is not officially confirmed to participate in the upcoming event, we are in the process of carefully reviewing a potential candidate for the franchise and national director roles," the statement explained. "Saudi Arabia will only be able to join our esteemed pageant once this process is completed and approved by our committee."

Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua waves to the audience after she was crowned the 2023 Miss Universe during the 72nd Miss Universe Competition on November 18.

Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua waves to the audience after she was crowned the 2023 Miss Universe during the 72nd Miss Universe Competition on November 18.

Hector Vivas/Getty Images

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Saudi Arabian model and veteran beauty queen Rumy al-Qahtani took to Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok on March 24 to share her excitement about competing in the Miss Universe pageant. She expressed feeling "honored" and highlighted that her participation was a first for her home country. The post included photos of her in a stunning evening gown, wearing a glamorous tiara, and a sash embroidered with "Miss Universe Saudi Arabia."

Al-Qahtani's announcement quickly spread across social media and news outlets, generating significant attention. Despite the Miss Universe pageant casting doubt on her claim, the post remains on her social media profiles. Notably, in videos posted on her TikTok page after the pageant's response, she has yet to address the controversy.

"We do not know why Miss Rumy al-Qahtani decided to run for the Saudi Arabia pageant. However, if she wants to compete, she will need to go through the same selection process as all the other candidates," a spokesperson for Miss Universe informed CNN.

Unfortunately, Al-Qahtani could not be reached for a comment.

The 2024 Miss Universe competition, set to take place in Mexico in September, will feature contestants from over 100 countries. Unlike previous years, there will be no upper age limit for participants; in the past, contestants had to be between 18 and 28 years old.

In addition to this change, a new "cultural heritage pageant" has been introduced within the Miss Universe system. The Miss Universe Persia pageant, approved by the national director and board, will welcome women of Persian descent and from the Persian diaspora. The winner of this pageant will have the opportunity to compete alongside delegates from around the world at the upcoming Miss Universe competition in Mexico.

Editor's P/S:

The Miss Universe Organization's clarification regarding Saudi Arabia's alleged participation in the 2024 pageant raises questions about the accuracy of Rumy al-Qahtani's social media announcement. While al-Qahtani's excitement for representing her country is understandable, the pageant's official statement suggests that her claim may have been premature.

The Miss Universe Organization's emphasis on a formal selection process highlights its commitment to fairness and transparency. If al-Qahtani truly intends to compete, she must adhere to the same requirements as other candidates. The organization's decision to introduce a cultural heritage pageant specifically for women of Persian descent is a commendable step towards inclusivity and diversity within the pageant system.