The UAE's debut at the long-running Miss Universe pageant will shine a light on the country's spirit of tolerance and inclusivity, organisers tell The National.
Emilia Dobreva, a Kosovo-born model and long-time Dubai resident aged 27, will represent the UAE at the competition, now in its 73rd year. Mexico City is hosting the event, where more than 130 countries and territories are competing for the Miss Universe 2024 title this weekend.
“The UAE proudly supports a harmonious blend of backgrounds, where Emirati women lead the way with expat women in supportive roles,” says Poppy Capella, national director of Miss Universe UAE.
“Expatriates have played a significant role in the UAE’s development across diverse fields. Miss Universe UAE stands as a testament to this inclusivity, promoting women’s empowerment and equal opportunities regardless of nationality, age or background.”
Dobreva's selection last month raised a few eyebrows as title-holders are required to possess a valid passport from the country they represent, according to Miss Universe's director’s manual.
But, Capella says her organisation has adhered strictly to previously announced criteria established in 2021 for Miss Universe UAE.
In 2021, Paula M Shugart, then-president of the Miss Universe Organisation, announced in Dubai that the global competition would welcome a participant from the UAE for the first time. Women of all nationalities, between the ages of 18 and 28, were welcome to compete for Miss Universe UAE as long as they had been official residents of the country for at least three years.
“I could not be more pleased to welcome the first-ever representative from the UAE to our globally televised event in December,” Shugart said then. “The UAE is marking a very important time in its history, from the signing of the Abraham Accords, to hosting the World Expo, and there has never been a better time to shine a spotlight on the women residing in this country.”
While thousands of hopefuls applied to participate, the event was eventually cancelled, with no explanation provided by organisers at the time. Shugart also stepped down from her role last year.
While no similar events have been held in the UAE since 2021, Capella, an Indonesia entrepreneur, was named national director in September. Despite the limited time frame, Capella says she received more than 1,000 applicants, including 20 Emiratis, for Miss Universe UAE 2024.
Following a round of interviews and competitions, Dobreva was crowned the eventual winner.
“To answer why Emilia was chosen as Miss Universe UAE, despite not being an Emirati, it’s essential to understand the spirit of tolerance and inclusivity that defines the UAE,” says Capella. “The competition is open to any woman over the age of 18, allowing even an 80-year-old to step forward if she believes she can make a positive impact – not just within the UAE, but on a global stage.
“In this way, Miss Universe UAE represents the country's dedication to creating a platform for any woman who wishes to champion progress, embodying the UAE’s vision of unity in diversity.”
Dobreva, she adds, is a proud UAE resident, having lived in the country for more than a decade. “She's fluent in Arabic, she married to an Emirati and all her three children were born here,” says Capella. “She is also an experienced beauty queen, having previously won Miss Friendship International in 2019.”
This year's Miss Universe is set to be its most momentous yet, with many previous limitations for contestants being scrapped, including age, marital status and body type. Last year, for the first time, mothers were also allowed to participate.
Besides the UAE, Somalia and Uzbekistan are making their first appearances at Miss Universe, and Iran is sending a representative for the first time, under the title of Miss Universe Persia.
Dobreva is among six participants representing the Middle East, along with contestants from Egypt, Lebanon and Bahrain.
Capella believes Dobreva will represent the UAE in the best way possible, from her custom-made abaya, which will showcase the transformation of the UAE, to the burkini she will wear in the swimsuit round.
Dubai-based Lebanese designer Fadi Abi Nader has designed a special abaya for the national costume competition, which incorporates real sand from the UAE, while the evening dress gown is by Atelier Zuhra, founded in Dubai by Omani designer Mousa Al Awfi.
“Emilia's journey is being closely followed by many, and I hope she will make a significant impact at Miss Universe,” adds Capella. “She’s well prepared. She's loves this country and she’s been here for quite some time. She will represent the country very well.”
