Middle East Shines at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand

The global stage of Miss Universe is abuzz with excitement as contestants from over 130 nations have arrived in Thailand for the 74th annual competition, culminating in the crowning of the 2025 winner on November 21. This year's pageant, a much-anticipated global event with an estimated 500 million viewers, features groundbreaking moments for the Middle East.

For the first time, the United Arab Emirates will be represented at the Miss Universe competition, alongside a historic debut from Palestine. Miss Universe UAE, Mariam Mohamed, and Miss Universe Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub, were photographed together in Bangkok, marking a significant milestone for both nations. Regional representation also includes delegates from Iraq and Lebanon, as well as the winner of Miss Universe Persia, a contest designed to include the global Iranian diaspora. Notably, pageants for Miss Universe Bahrain and Miss Universe Egypt have not taken place this year. The contestants are set to engage in a series of preliminary events and interviews before the grand finale at the Impact Challenger exhibition center in Pak Kret, a short drive from Bangkok.

Spotlight on Middle Eastern Representatives

Here's a closer look at the announced contestants from the Middle East:

Miss Universe UAE: Mariam Mohamed

Mariam Mohamed, a 26-year-old fashion student from Dubai, is poised to make history as the first Emirati to compete in Miss Universe. An avid falconer and camel rider with a passion for global travel and cultural exchange, Mohamed embodies ambition. She shared, "The UAE has given me the confidence to dream big. I want to be a voice for women who are ambitious, curious and driven. Miss Universe UAE is not just about beauty, it is about impact."

Miss Universe Palestine: Nadeen Ayoub

Nadeen Ayoub, crowned Miss Palestine in 2022, will be the inaugural representative from her country on the Miss Universe stage. The 27-year-old, who holds degrees in literature and psychology and is a certified wellness and nutrition coach, grew up across Palestine, the US, and Canada. She expressed her intent to "carry the voice of a people who refuse to be silenced," emphasizing the immense responsibility that comes with the Miss Universe platform to speak out against injustice. "This is the time when Palestine needs to be represented on all platforms everywhere," she stated, highlighting the critical situation in Gaza.

Miss Universe Iraq: Hanin Al Qoreishy

Hanin Al Qoreishy, a 27-year-old entrepreneur based in Houston, Texas, brings a compelling story to the pageant. An American citizen who emigrated from Iraq at age 12, she was named Miss Universe Iraq in June. Her advocacy for child refugees is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. Al Qoreishy, who previously held the title of Miss Grand Nevada in 2024, is ready to represent her homeland. An Instagram announcement from Miss Universe Iraq stated, "Hanin Al Qoreishy will carry our flag, our voice, and our legacy to the Miss Universe stage as Miss Universe Iraq 2025. The universe is about to witness the power, beauty, and brilliance of our homeland."

Miss Universe Lebanon: Sarah Boujaoude

Sarah Boujaoude, a 20-year-old fashion model and finance student at the American University of Beirut, secured her position as Miss Universe Lebanon 2025 after placing as the second-runner-up at Miss Lebanon 2024. Her advocacy centers on empowering women through self-acceptance and embracing inner beauty. Boujaoude encourages women, particularly young ones, to recognize their inherent worth beyond external appearances, stating, "I urge every woman, especially young women, to appreciate themselves as they are and to believe that true beauty starts from within – from confidence, strength, and uniqueness that cannot be measured by appearances."

Miss Universe Persia: Sahar Biniaz

Sahar Biniaz, a 40-year-old Canadian national, has a significant history with the Miss Universe competition. After being crowned Miss Universe Canada in 2012, a foot injury unfortunately prevented her from competing internationally. Now, she steps onto the Miss Universe Persia stage with renewed purpose. Biniaz declared, "I stand for the woman who has endured restrictions but never surrendered. The woman who has wept but still smiled. Persian women are not only beautiful, we are powerful. We are unbreakable. We are still here."