For the first time, the United Arab Emirates will be represented at the Miss Universe competition, with fashion model Emilia Dobreva crowned as Miss Universe UAE in October 2024. A mother of three, Emilia will join contestants from around the globe on November 16, 2024, in Mexico City, marking a significant moment for the UAE on the international stage.
Businesswoman Papi Capella, who serves as the UAE’s National Director, announced Dobreva’s selection through the official Miss Universe Organization Instagram account. Capella, who has organized Miss Universe events in Southeast Asia, described Dobreva as a fitting representative, emphasizing her deep ties to the UAE, Arabic fluency, and strong family values.
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In a nod to UAE culture, Dobreva’s national costume will feature a unique abaya adorned with real sand from the UAE’s deserts, symbolizing the nation’s evolution from desert landscapes to modern prosperity. For the swimsuit segment, Dobreva will don a modest burqini, respecting local values and the UAE’s cultural heritage.
The Miss Universe UAE event, which received over 1,000 entries, was held privately and omitted the swimwear round in line with local customs. The UAE’s participation reflects the competition’s move toward inclusivity, with the removal of age and marital status criteria last year. The competition also spotlighted social causes, with proceeds from T-shirt sales benefiting Médecins Sans Frontières.
The UAE joins nine other countries debuting at this year’s Miss Universe, including Somalia, which will be represented by the pageant’s first hijabi contestant.
