In a surprising move, Saudi Arabia is joining the Miss Universe pageant for the very first time!
The kingdom will be represented by Rumy Alqahtani, a 27-year-old model and dentist who holds several other pageant titles. This year’s competition will be held in Mexico and also marks the first time Iran will participate.
This is a sign of changing times for Saudi Arabia. The country has recently loosened restrictions on women, allowing them to drive, attend sporting events, and travel with more ease. Rumy’s participation in Miss Universe reflects this progress on the world stage.
However, it’s important to note that Saudi Arabia still faces criticism for its human rights record. Some people believe the country’s embrace of events like Miss Universe is an attempt to distract from these issues.