Miss Universe Organization denies reports of Saudi Arabian contestant participation

The Miss Universe Organization has issued a statement denying the recent reports claiming the participation of a contestant representing Saudi Arabia in this year's competition. 

"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 said.

The statement added that the selection of contestants to represent their countries in the competition is a strict 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," the Miss Universe Organization said.
 
The Miss Universe Organization affirmed that while Saudi Arabia is not yet among those countries confirmed to participate this year, the organization is undergoing a vetting process qualifying a potential candidate to be awarded the franchise and assigned national director to represent. 

The organization concluded, "Saudi Arabia will not have this opportunity to join our prestigious pageant until this is final and confirmed by our approval committee."

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A post shared by rumy alqahtani | رومي القحطاني 🇸🇦 (@rumy_alqahtani)

Miss Rumy Al-Qahtani announced on her Instagram account that she would be the first Saudi Arabian contestant in the Miss Universe pageant.

In the post posted in March, Al-Qahtani is seen wearing a sash that reads: "Miss Universe Saudi Arabia," posing next to the Saudi flag.

In the caption, she said: "I am honored to participate in the Miss Universe 2024 competition. This is the first participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe competition."