Is Saudi Arabia participating at Miss Universe 2024? Pageant organisers respond

A week after Saudi model Rumy Alqahtani announced her participation at the Miss Universe pageant as the first-ever participant from Saudi Arabia, the pageant organisers have denied the country's participation at this year's contest.

The selection process has not been carried out in the kingdom, Miss Universe said in a statement to the media adding that it is undergoing a “rigorous vetting process.”

Is Saudi Arabia part of Miss Universe pageant?

“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 a national director to represent,” the statement said.

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

The statement comes after Miss Saudi Arabia Rumy Alqahtani took to social media last week to announce her participation in the beauty pageant this year. She claimed she would be “the first participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe pageant.” She has not removed the post from her Instagram account.

More about Miss Universe 2024

According to the pageant's official website, "The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is a global, inclusive organization that celebrates all cultures, backgrounds and religions. We create and provide a safe space for women to share their stories and drive impact personally, professionally, and philanthropically."

This year, the pageant will be held in Mexico in September 2024.