The Miss Universe Organization has denied recent reports suggesting that Saudi Arabia’s Alqahtani will make a historic participation in the beauty pageant.
Rumy Alqahtani a Saudi Arabian beauty queen had announced that she will be representing the Asian country in its first ever Miss Universe pageant.
“I am honoured to participate in the Miss Universe 2024 competition. This is the debut of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the competition,” Alqahtani had written on her instagram handle.
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However, in a statement released on the official Miss Universe website, the organization clarified that Saudi Arabia has not undergone any selection process for participation.
Dismissing the claims as “false and misleading,” the organization emphasized its commitment to a rigorous selection process adhering strictly to established policies and guidelines.
The organizers wrote; “The selection of contestants to represent their respective countries in the Miss Universe competition is a rigorous process that adheres strictly to our policies and guidelines,’’
“We would like to categorically state that no selection process has been conducted in Saudi Arabia, and any such claims are false and misleading,”
“The selection of contestants to represent their respective countries in the Miss Universe competition is a rigorous process that adheres strictly to our policies and guidelines.
“Each country’s selection is carried out in accordance with established criteria and regulations, ensuring fairness and transparency in the selection of participants.”
While Saudi Arabia’s participation remains unconfirmed, the Miss Universe Organization disclosed ongoing vetting processes to potentially award the franchise to a candidate and designate a national director. Until final approval is secured, Saudi Arabia will not partake in the esteemed pageant.
“Saudi Arabia will not have this opportunity to join our prestigious pageant until this is final and confirmed by our approval committee.”
Last month, beauty queen Rumy Alqahtani announced on her Instagram that she will be Saudi Arabia’s first representative at the Miss Universe pageant.
