Miss Universe Organization says Saudi Arabia’s entry into 2024 pageant not yet confirmed

The Miss Universe Organization has addressed the recent reports of Saudi Arabia entering the pageant for the first time in history.

In a statement posted on its website, the organization said Saudi Arabia is not among the countries confirmed to be participating in the pageant so far.

“We would like to categorically state that no selection process has been conducted in Saudi Arabia, and any such claims are false and misleading,” the statement read.

The MUO said that the selection of contestants to represent their respective countries in the competition is a “rigorous process that adheres strictly to our policies and guidelines” and that each participating country’s selection is in line with established criteria and regulations.

“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 national director to represent,” it said.

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

The MUO’s statement was released a week after fashion model and beauty queen Rumy Alqahtani claimed that she would be representing Saudi Arabia in its first-ever Miss Universe stint.

“Honored to participate in Miss Universe 2024,” Rumy wrote in Arabic, sharing photos of herself wearing a crown and a sash while holding the country’s flag.

One hundred contestants from different countries will be participating in this year’s competition, which will take place in Mexico.

Last year, the Miss Universe pageant was held in El Salvador. Miss Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios won the crown.

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News