For the first time ever, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will have a representative at the prestigious Miss Universe competition. Emilia Dobreva, a fashion model and mother of three, was crowned Miss Universe UAE in October 2024 and will compete in the global event this November.
UAE’s Participation Officially Announced
The news of the UAE’s participation in Miss Universe was shared through the official Instagram account of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO). The announcement also revealed Papi Capella as the National Director for the UAE. Capella, who has previously managed Miss Universe events in Indonesia and Malaysia, praised Dobreva as the perfect representative for the country, citing her strong ties to the UAE, fluency in Arabic, and deep family values.
“She’s a beautiful and intelligent woman, and her strong connections to the UAE make her an excellent ambassador,” Capella said.
Dobreva to Compete at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico City
Emilia Dobreva will join contestants from 130 countries at the 73rd Miss Universe competition, which will take place on November 16, 2024, in Mexico City. One of the highlights of the competition will be the National Costume round, where Dobreva will showcase a unique abaya, symbolizing the UAE’s blend of tradition and modernity. The gown will feature real sand from the UAE, symbolizing the nation’s journey from desert to a vibrant, modern society.
A Groundbreaking Miss Universe Competition
The 73rd edition of Miss Universe is not only historic for the UAE but also marks the debut of nine other countries, including Somalia, which will have its first-ever hijabi contestant. In a move towards greater inclusivity, Miss Universe removed traditional restrictions regarding age, height, weight, and marital status in 2023, allowing women of all backgrounds to compete.
Miss Universe UAE Competition and Cultural Sensitivity
Due to time constraints, the Miss Universe UAE competition was conducted privately, with no open auditions. The swimwear round was also omitted in respect of the UAE’s cultural values. Instead, Dobreva will wear a modest burqini during the swimsuit segment at the global competition.
The UAE competition saw an overwhelming response, with over 1,000 entries from both Emirati nationals and expatriates. From these, 16 finalists were selected, and Fatima Bahman Nowroozi, an Emirati contestant, won the Golden Winner title in the “Voice of Change” category.
Intensive Preparation and High Hopes for Dobreva
Since her selection, Emilia Dobreva has undergone rigorous training in public speaking, catwalk techniques, and other aspects of pageant preparation. Papi Capella, the UAE’s National Director, expressed confidence that Dobreva could reach the top five in the competition, particularly given the significant attention she has garnered on social media.
Miss Universe UAE Highlights Charity and Culture
The Miss Universe UAE event also underscored the country’s commitment to charitable causes. The event featured a Palm of Inclusion crown, valued at over AED 15 million, designed by the renowned jeweler Mouwad. Additionally, proceeds from the sale of specially designed T-shirts were donated to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
The event also partnered with BrightFlixx Entertainment, a local streaming platform, to create a reality show that highlights the beauty and culture of the UAE. This collaboration aims to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage to a global audience.
A Historic Moment for UAE and Women Empowerment
With Dobreva’s participation in Miss Universe 2024, the UAE is not only making history on the global stage but also reinforcing its commitment to women’s empowerment, diversity, and cultural representation. As the competition approaches, all eyes will be on the UAE as it continues to make strides on the world stage.
