Miss Universe denies Saudi Arabia's participation in pageant 2024

The recent reports about Saudi Arabia's participation in the Miss Universe 2024 have been dismissed by the beauty pageant organisation, reported Al Arabiya English.

A formal statement quoted by UAE’s publication, said, “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 a national director to represent,” it added.

“Saudi Arabia will not have this opportunity to join our prestigious pageant until this is final and confirmed by our approval committee.”

The development came after Saudi model Rumy Al-Qahtani had announced her participation in the annual pageant. 

Al-Qahtani, featuring the Saudi flag and sash bearing the title “Miss Universe, garnered significant attention from social media users.

Despite, the organisation’s announcement Al-Qahtani neither deleted her post nor responded to the statement.

Al-Qahtani, hailing from Riyadh is known for the world of pageantry, have participated in various international events such as Miss Arab Peace, Miss Planet, and Miss Middle East, as mentioned on her Instagram profile.

The Miss Universe competition, scheduled to take place in Mexico in September, is set to feature over 100 contestants from around the world.