Nada Koussa crowned Miss Lebanon 2024 in Beirut

Predecessor Yasmina Zaytoun is a previous Miss World first runner-up

Nada Koussa, left, is crowned Miss Lebanon 2024 by past Miss Lebanon winner Yasmina Zaitoun. AP

Nada Koussa has been crowned Miss Lebanon 2024 in a star-studded event on Beirut's waterfront on Saturday evening.

Koussa, 26, comes from the northern region of Akkar and is a clinical psychologist. She beat 14 other contestants in the competition. She was crowned by her Miss Lebanon 2022 predecessor Yasmina Zaytoun, the runner-up in Miss World last year.

Sarah Leena Bou Jaoude was named the runner-up, followed by Gael Balian and Melissa Kozah who came as second and third runners-up.

Newly crowned Miss Lebanon Nada Koussa defeated 14 other contestants to win the competition. AP

The event was attended by two government ministers and popular Lebanese singer Elissa performed.

Despite the precarious security situation in Lebanon, as a war rages in the south of the country between Israel and Hezbollah, organisers had sought to portray the day as an “aesthetic, cultural, and artistic event that is regarded as one of the most significant and expansive festivals held during the country's summer tourist season”.

“The ceremony showcases Lebanon's tourism, beauty, elegance and art in its finest form,” said organisers.

Eight women made up the judging panel, including Nour Arida, a women's rights activist and model.

As a judge, she gave every contestant a perfect score to emphasise what she says is her “commitment to redefining beauty standards and promoting self-confidence among women”.

“On my platform, I always talk about being natural, being true to yourself, I talk about accepting yourself, about not having beauty stereotypes,” she tells The National.

“For me, I wanted to be here today and share this message, this reminder that each girl has something that is different, she's beautiful in her own way and that we should stop stereotyping women in general.”

Famed Lebanese jeweller Mouawad provided the Cedar of Hope crown for this year’s ceremony. The company describes the piece as “a vibrant tribute to the Lebanese spirit of perseverance”.

It has red, white and green gemstones to reflect the colours of the Lebanese flag. The design draws inspiration from the cedar tree, an emblem that has stood tall for millennia in the Lebanese landscape.

“Lebanon has a long and rich history, and we are committed to crafting a crown that reflects the country's strength, beauty, and enduring hope for a brighter future,” said Robert Mouawad, the third-generation co-guardian of Mouawad.

“The crown will be bestowed upon the winner, who will then become an ambassador for the nation, carrying the hopes and dreams of the Lebanese people with her.”