The organisers of the Miss Universe pageant have denied reports claiming Saudi Arabia is preparing to participate in the competition for the first time.
Last month, Rumy Alqahtani, a model from Saudi Arabia, announced that she would represent her country in the 2024 Miss Universe pageant.
Alqahtani said the country will participate in the competition this year for the first time ever.
“Honoured to participate in Miss Universe 2024. This is the first participation of Saudi Arabia in the competition,” she wrote on Instagram.
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But in a statement, the organisers of Miss Universe described the model’s claim as “false and misleading”.
The statement said Saudi Arabia is not yet among the countries fully confirmed to participate in this year’s competition.
It, however, added that the country is undergoing “a rigorous vetting process” to qualify a potential candidate.
“Miss Universe Organization would like to address recent reports claiming the participation of a contestant representing Saudi Arabia in this year’s competition,” the statement reads.
“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 selection of contestants to represent their respective countries in the Miss Universe competition is a rigorous process that adheres strictly to our policies and guidelines.
“Each country’s selection is carried out in accordance with established criteria and regulations, ensuring fairness and transparency in the selection of participants.
“As we prepare for the upcoming edition of the Miss Universe contest in Mexico, we are proud to announce that we will welcome over 100 contestants from various nationalities around the world.
“We are committed to showcasing diversity and inclusivity on our global stage, celebrating the beauty and talents of women from all walks of life.
“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.
“Saudi Arabia will not have this opportunity to join our prestigious pageant until this is final and confirmed by our approval committee.”
The 2024 Miss Universe event is scheduled to take place in Mexico in September.
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