Saudi Arabia officially joined the Miss Universe pageant with Rumy Alqahtani as the Islamic country's first-ever representative.

Rumy Alqahtani, a 27-year-old model, on Monday shared on Instagram that she would be the first participant from the country in the international beauty pageant.

"This is the first participation of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe competition," Rumy wrote on Instagram.

WHO IS MODEL RUMY ALQAHTANI?

"My contributions are to learn about world cultures and to transfer our authentic Saudi culture and heritage to the world," said Rumy Alqahtani, reported by Arab News.

With a million followers on Instagram and around two thousand on X (erstwhile Twitter), the Riyadh-born model and content creator expressed her excitement about representing Saudi Arabia in the upcoming Miss Universe 2024 competition through an Instagram post.

CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN'S REFORMS

The Crown Prince is often seen in a full-faced beard, dressed in a traditional Arab robe, and sandals. As the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia has historically maintained strict social and religious control.

This shift has garnered attention worldwide, particularly with the lifting of constraints on women, allowing them to drive, attend mixed-gender events, and apply for passports without male guardianship.

Source: India Today