A week ago, Saudi Arabian model and influencer Rumy Alqahtani made waves on Instagram when she announced her participation in the highly anticipated Miss Universe 2024 competition. This announcement marked a historic moment as she boldly claimed her place as the first Saudi Arabian to grace the Miss Universe stage. However, amidst the excitement, a statement from the Miss Universe Organization on April 1st cast a shadow of uncertainty. The organization clarified that Saudi Arabia had not undergone the rigorous selection process necessary for participation in Miss Universe 2024.
So, who is Rumy Alqahtani? Born in 1995 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Rumy pursued a dentistry degree from King Saud University, Riyadh. Despite her academic pursuits, her passion for fashion and beauty led her to carve a path as a prominent model and social media influencer in the region, boasting over 1 million followers on Instagram alone. Rumy’s accolades include titles such as Miss Saudi Arabia, Miss Middle East, and Miss Europe International, to name a few.
Her journey has seen her represent Saudi Arabia on the international stage in pageants like Miss World in Italy, Miss Europe Continent, and Miss Planet International in Cambodia. Beyond her modeling career, Rumy is a vocal advocate against violence towards women and children, serving as an ambassador for the Red Cross.
However, despite her impressive resume, Rumy’s selection for Miss Universe remains unconfirmed. The stringent selection process conducted annually by the Miss Universe Organization requires national directors to carefully select qualified representatives from their respective countries. As of now, Saudi Arabia has yet to finalize its franchise selection, leaving Rumy’s participation in the 73rd edition of Miss Universe, slated to be held in Mexico on September 28th, in limbo.
