Rumy al-Qahtani and the Riddle of Saudi Arabia's Debut at the Miss Universe 2024 Pageant

On Instagram, Qahtani (27) now has 1 million followers (followers). In her biodata, apart from identifying herself as a fashion model, she calls herself the first "Miss Saudi Arabia". In one of his photo uploads, he appears in an open-shouldered pose, holding a Saudi Arabian flag.

Less than a week after the post, the Miss Universe organization issued a statement referring to Qahtani's post: Qahtani's claims were "false and misleading." The reason being at that time, there was no Miss Universe selection process in Saudi Arabia.

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However, in a statement reported this week and cited by AFP news agency on Friday (April 26, 2024), the Miss Universe organization mentioned that Saudi Arabia could possibly have its representative at this year's event. "(The Miss Universe organization) is currently conducting a strict selection process on potential license holders in Saudi Arabia," said Maria Jose Unda, Coordinator of Miss Universe's International Relations, in a written statement to AFP.

"We will decide to choose a National Director for Saudi Arabia in the very, very near future," said Unda.

He added that it was "possible" that Saudi Arabia would send its representative to the next Miss Universe pageant, next September, in Mexico.

Want to change image

If it is true that Saudi Arabia will send its representative to the Miss Universe pageant, this will mark the next step in the kingdom's efforts to polish its image, which was previously known for its ultraconservative leanings. Under the current de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is seeking to attract tourists and investors from all over the world.

Under MBS, Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil producer, is also working to improve their country's image in handling women's issues. Not only have they abolished the ban on women driving, but the country has also given the green light for their women to work in public sectors.

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When interviewed at his home in Riyadh, Qahtani revealed that he was negotiating to get tickets to appear at the Miss Universe pageant. “I have been contacted by the Miss Universe committee to represent Saudi Arabia. "Negotiations have started during the month of Ramadan and I have not been able to give a reply," he told AFP.

"We are still negotiating and hopefully it will bear joyful results," Qahtani continued in his first interview since his viral upload in March.

Unda explained that the procedure of appointing a national director, which they are currently undertaking, is intended for the said director to hold the Miss Universe Arab Saudi competition to select a representative who will appear in Mexico in September.

"We ignore the reasons why (Qahtani) announced his candidacy. However, if he wants to participate in the contest in Saudi Arabia, he must follow the selection process, just like all other candidates."

Qahtani revealed that she had appeared several times in a number of beauty queen contests in the Middle East and Europe.

Qahtani revealed that she had appeared several times in a number of beauty queen contests in Middle East and Europe. On his Instagram account, he uploaded photos of himself receiving a sash at various competitions in which he participated.

He recounted that during his appearances in those events, he received unexpected questions about Saudi Arabia. One participant from Europe, for example, asked: does Qahtani keep crude oil at his home.

Deal with negative comments

In Saudi Arabia, Qahtani also seeks to address the possibility of attacks from conservative groups who object to his fashion style or photos of himself displayed on his Instagram account. In one of his poses, for example, he covered his body with the Saudi Arabian flag.

"There are some negative comments about my way of dressing, and when I showed a photo covering my body with a flag, it was considered disrespectful by many," said Qahtani.

He admitted that he does not regret all of it. "Many sports supporters take photos of themselves wrapping their bodies with flags like what I did," he said.

"In beauty contests as well, each woman carries the flag of their respective countries. So, I did not mean (that action) as an attack," continued Qahtani.

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Fawzia Ayed, the mother of Rumy al-Qahtani, said she hopes her daughter is strong enough to face those criticisms. "I always tell her to keep going and that she has come a long way as a Saudi Arabian woman. Before, our society was closed-minded and rigid," she said.

"Rumy has inspired many women. I see that many parties are reaching out to her and asking how she can achieve this level, and they also want to be able to perform (in those events)," said Ayed (AFP).