Saudi Arabia is not yet among those countries participating this year: Miss Universe organisers

Clarification follows social media posts by model Rumy al-Qahtani where she declared her participation in 2024 event

Recent reports suggesting the participation of a Saudi Arabian model in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant have been dismissed by the Miss Universe Organization, according to Al Arabiya English. The pageantry entity has issued a formal statement to clarify that Saudi Arabia has not yet been confirmed as a participating country for the 2024 event.

In the statement, it was emphasised that no formal selection process had taken place in the Kingdom, and any potential candidate would need to undergo a rigourous vetting process before being awarded the franchise and assigned a national director to represent Saudi Arabia in the competition.

“While Saudi Arabia is not yet among those countries fully confirmed participating this year, we are currently undergoing a rigorous vetting process qualifying a potential candidate to be awarded the franchise and assigned national director to represent,” the statement explained, underscoring that Saudi Arabia's participation would only be finalised upon approval by the organisation's committee.

The clarification from the Miss Universe Organization follows an announcement made by Saudi model Rumy al-Qahtani on social media, where she declared her participation in Miss Universe 2024, marking Saudi Arabia's purported debut in the prestigious pageant. Al-Qahtani's post, featuring the Saudi flag and a sash bearing the title “Miss Universe Saudi Arabia,” garnered significant attention on various social media platforms.

Despite the announcement, Al-Qahtani has not yet responded to requests for comment from media outlets, including Al Arabiya English, which reached out to her following the social media revelation. Notably, the post remains unchanged even after the Miss Universe Organization released its statement refuting the claims.

Hailing from Riyadh, Rumy al-Qahtani is no stranger to the world of pageantry, boasting a resume that includes participation in various international events such as Miss Arab Peace, Miss Planet, and Miss Middle East, as indicated on her Instagram profile.

As preparations for the 2024 Miss Universe competition continue, scheduled to take place in Mexico in September, the global event is set to feature over 100 contestants from around the world, showcasing the diversity and beauty of women on the international stage.

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