Meet the seven Miss Universe Bahrain 2022 finalists

The winner of the pageant will represent the country in the global competition

From left, Evlin Khalifa, Maya Malalla and Ghadeer Alshayeb are among the finalists of Miss Universe Bahrain 2022. All photos: Miss Universe Bahrain / Yugen Group

Evlin Khalifa, 24, from Riffa.

Ghadeer Alshayab, 24, from Arad.

Lujane Yacoub, 18, from Hamala.

Maria Malalla, 20, from Manama.

Maya Malalla, 18, from Manama.

Maryam Naji, 25, from Riffa.

Shereen Ahmed, 27, from Manama.

One year after Manar Nadeem Deyani made history by becoming the first beauty queen to represent Bahrain at the Miss Universe pageant, seven other hopefuls are waiting in the wings for their moment in the spotlight.

Organisers of Miss Universe Bahrain have revealed the finalists for the 2022 pageant, who were chosen from more than 300 applicants across the country. The winner will be named on Sunday and compete in the international contest next year.

Scroll through the gallery above for pictures of the finalists for Miss Universe Bahrain 2022

Josh Yugen, chief executive of Yugen Group and the national director of Miss Universe Bahrain, says the competition's main aim is to "celebrate women".

"More than the physical beauty, it is our utmost goal to celebrate a platform that gives voice to the empowerment of women, to highlight their incredible and innovative contribution to our society and to inspire other women to break stereotypes not only in GCC but all throughout the world," he tells The National. "These women are graced with passion, cocooned with courage and armoured with their pursuit of love, sisterhood and kindness."

Josh Yugen, the national director of Miss Universe Bahrain. Photo: Yugen Group

Applications for the Miss Universe Bahrain 2022 competition opened in June, inviting aspiring beauty queens aged between 18 and 28, who are single and who hold a Bahraini passport, to enter the competition.

The more than 300 applicants were shortlisted to 15, which was then whittled down to the final seven. The finalists have been taking part in a number of workshops and photoshoots, which included a trip to Dubai last week.

Scroll through the gallery below for pictures of Miss Universe Bahrain 2022 finalists in Dubai

The finalists of Miss Universe Bahrain 2022 joined in a number of workshops and activities in Dubai. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National

Miss Bahrain Universe 2022 finalists at a beauty workshop at the Madi International Showroom in Dubai.

Ghadeer Alshayeb, centre, is one of the seven finalists.

Finalist Maria Malalla being pampered at the showroom.

Finalist Evlin Khalifa at the workshop.

Winner of Miss Universe Bahrain 2021, Manar Nadeem Deyani, with 2022 finalist Maryam Naji.

One of the finalists receiving a facial treatment.

Deyani with finalist Shereen Ahmed.

Finalist Ahmed takes a selfie.

Deyani will name her successor on September 11.

Deyani made history last year as the first beauty queen to represent Bahrain at Miss Universe.

Miss Universe Bahrain 2022 finalists being pampered during their beauty workshop.

The seven finalists were chosen from more than 300 applicants.

Miss Universe Bahrain 2022 finalists have been undergoing a number of training sessions and workshops.

Finalist Evlin Khalifa, 24, is from Riffa.

Finalist Ghadeer Alshayeb, 23, is from Arad.

Ghadeer Alshayeb, Lujane Yacoub and Maya Malalla at the workshop.

Lujane Yacoub and Maya Malalla.

Deyani, far left, has been mentoring the 2022 finalists.

The Miss Universe Bahrain 2022 finalists

Ahead of the winner being announced on Sunday, here's an introduction to those who are competing for the crown.

Evlin Khalifa, 24

Evlin Khalifa, 24, from Riffa.

Khalifa is trained in music, dancing and taekwondo. She is passionate about education and believes it's never too late to learn something new in life. A graduate in finance and banking, she is currently pursuing online classes to master her Arabic and English skills, as well psychology.

Ghadheer Alshayeb, 24

Ghadeer Alshayab, 24, from Arad.

Alshayeb is currently studying web media while juggling different jobs. She is also a fitness coach, a paddle board instructor, a model and trains children in martial arts. She wants to empower girls of every age to be their best because she believes women are fighters and wants them to have the opportunity to experience everything they want without limits.

Lujane Yacoub, 18

Lujane Yacoub, 18, from Hamala.

The youngest contestant, Yacoub is a senior at Bahrain High School where she has been serving as president of the Student Council. She is a longstanding member of the National Honours Society, has earned a gold medal and other accolades for her theatre work and has been invited to represent Bahrain at Creative Connections in Germany. She has also been voted by her peers as Prom Court Princess for the past two years.

Maria Malalla, 20

Maria Malalla, 20, from Manama.

A professional fashion and beauty model, Maria is a social media influencer in Bahrain and has been a role model to young girls in her community by propagating kindness and modesty. For her, sisterhood is one of the most valuable things that she has learned throughout her journey at Miss Universe Bahrain.

Maya Malalla, 18

Maya Malalla, 18, from Manama.

A young model, Maya is already the face of many beauty campaigns and fashion shoots. She likes to volunteer and to help others, especially for children with special needs and says her advocacy is to promote Bahraini culture, especially women.

Maryam Naji, 25

Maryam Naji, 25, from Riffa.

A former member of the Bahrain National Fencing team, Naji's motto in life is: “You will only live once, live it right.” She believes in trying everything she is afraid of and is passionate about promoting mental health, especially her personal experience with depression.

Shereen Ahmed, 27

Shereen Ahmed, 27, from Manama.

Half Filipina and half Bahraini, Ahmed is a presenter for a weekly show called Emirates Draw. She has been writing for digital publications and local brands, as well as modelling since she was 15. Her greatest accomplishment was sharing her personal story in a photo project called Rock Your Ugly, which resonated with people who dealt with, or were still dealing with, inner child traumas. An advocate for single mothers, she works closely with Hope-Amel UAE to assist in spreading awareness about the challenges single mothers face.

'Not about physical beauty'

Current Miss Universe Bahrain Deyani, who is a fashion designer living in Dubai, has been mentoring the finalists along with a team of experts. She will soon pass on her crown to her successor.

"Miss Universe has never been about physical beauty," she previously told The National. "If you are an aspiring Miss Universe, you have to find your purpose. Develop your confidence and identify the key messages you want to advocate for. It is also important to take care of your mental health because it can sometimes be hard with everyone watching but you need to embrace your power within and find your voice."

Miss Universe Bahrain 2021 Manar Nadeem Deyani will soon hand over her crown to her successor at the next pageant. All photos: Yugen Group, unless specified

Manar Nadeem Deyani says her life has completely changed since she was named Miss Universe Bahrain.

The Miss Universe Bahrain 2022 pageant is set to be held in July.

Deyani made waves at the Miss Universe pageant in 2021 when she walked out during the swimsuit round in a fully-covered activewear outfit. AP

Deyani wore a look inspired by Bahrain's long tradition of pearl diving during the national costume round at Miss Universe 2021.

Deyani, during the preliminary stage of the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant, in Israel's southern Red Sea coastal city of Eilat in 2021. AFP

Applications are now being accepted for Miss Universe Bahrain 2022. While details are still scarce, the event is open to all aspiring beauty queens who are between the ages of 18 to 28, are single and hold a Bahraini passport.

Deyani is also a fashion designer and hopes to launch her own label soon, with a focus on sustainability.

Deyani in Eilat, Israel, during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant.

Participating in the Miss Universe pageant gave her the privilege and the opportunity to 'redefine what a modern Bahraini woman is', says Deyani.

Deyani, just after landing in Israel for the Miss Universe pageant in 2021. Photo: Yugen Group

With her hair stylist Maggie Semaan.

Deyani soon after she landed in Israel in 2021.

If you are an aspiring Miss Universe, you have to find your purpose, develop your confidence and identify the key messages you want to advocate, advises Deyani.

Deyani's successor will have plenty of time to prepare for the global pageant. Sources confirmed to The National on Monday that the 2022 pageant would be held early next year, and that an official announcement would be made soon.

While no reason has been given for the postponement, two Miss Universe pageants will likely be held next year, with the 2023 winner being crowned later in the year.

The news effectively extends the reign of Harnaaz Sandhu from India, who was crowned Miss Universe 2021 in December. But the Miss Universe winner who has reigned for the longest amount of time is Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, who won the title in 2019.

Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu, left, is crowned Miss Universe 2021 by Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza from Mexico during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant in Eilat, Israel. Contestants from 80 countries and territories competed in the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA

Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu reacts as the Miss Universe crown is placed on her head by the outgoing Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico, at the Red Sea resort of Eilat in Israel. Reuters

Contestants congratulate Miss Universe 2021 winner Harnaaz Sandhu. Reuters

Miss Universe contestants congratulate Harnaaz Sandhu as she is crowned Miss Universe during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP

Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu walks on the stage among celebrations after being crowned Miss Universe 2021. EPA

Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu from India speaks to reporters after winning the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP

Miss Universe second runner-up Lalela Mswane from South Africa reacts during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP

The final three Miss Universe contestants, left to right, Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane; Miss India, Harnaaz Sandhu; and Miss Paraguay, Nadia Ferreira, pose on stage during the pageant. AFP

US singer JoJo performs on stage during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP

Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu during the swimsuit round of the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP

Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane poses in the evening gown competition during the pageant. AFP

US television host Steve Harvey asks Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu the final question during the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AFP

Miss Universe 2021 contestants pose during the pageant. Reuters

Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza appears during the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AP Photo

Outgoing Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico poses during the event. Reuters

Miss France Clemence Botino poses during the swimsuit round at the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA

Miss Puerto Rico Michelle Colon poses during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA

Miss Colombia Valeria Ayos poses during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA

Miss USA Elle Smith poses during the Miss Universe pageant. Reuters

Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu and at the pageant. AFP

Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira poses during the final round of the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AP Photo

Miss Universe semifinalists pose on stage during the swimsuit competition of the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant in Israel's southern Red Sea coastal city of Eilat. AFP

US television host Steve Harvey hosts the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP

Judges Adriana Lima, left, and Lori Harvey at the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AP Photo

Tunzi reigned for 525 days after the 2020 pageant was cancelled owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. She crowned her successor Andrea Meza from Mexico in May 2021, in turn making Meza's the shortest reign in history. Meza passed on her crown to Sandhu at a pageant in Israel in December last year, after 211 days.

More than 50 countries, from the UK to Ukraine and Guatemala to Ghana, have named their representatives for the 71st Miss Universe, the location for which is yet to be revealed.

Early in August, the Miss Universe Organisation made history by introducing a major rule change for eligibility. Starting with the 72nd pageant, the annual competition will accept married women and mothers.

In an internal memo seen by The National, the organisation says it has always strived to evolve with the times and the latest decision was the natural next step.

"We all believe that women should have agency over their lives and that a human's personal decisions should not be a barrier to their success," the memo said.

Previously, only single women aged between 18 and 28, who have never been married or had children, were allowed to apply.

Miss Universe 2022 beauty queens crowned so far — in pictures

Miss Universe Turkey 2022 is Aleyana Sirin. Photo: Instagram / Aleyanasirinn

Miss Universe Italy 2022 is Virginia Stablum. Photo: / Instagram / Virginia.Stablum

Miss Universe Kyrgyzstan 2022 is Altynai Botoyarova. Photo: Instagram / botoyarova_altynai

Evlin Khalifa, 24, is the second Miss Universe Bahrain. Photo: Miss Universe Bahrain

Miss Universe Spain, Alicia Faubel, comes from Alicante and has lived in Dubai and the Philippines. Photo: Instagram / alicia.aliccia

Divita Rai, 23, winner of India's Miss Diva Universe 2022. Photo: Miss Diva

Sophiya Bhujel was crowned Oriflame Miss Universe Nepal 2022. Photo: Miss Universe Nepal

Ndavi Nokeri, winner of Miss Universe South Africa 2022. Photo: Miss South Africa

Anna Sueangam-iam was named Miss Universe Thailand 2022. Photo: Miss Universe

Balsam Hussein when she was declared Miss Iraq 2022. Azhar Al-Rubaie for The National

Yasmina Zaytoun after being crowned Miss Lebanon 2022 at Forum De Beirut. EPA

Noky Simbani was crowned Miss Universe Great Britain 2022. Photo: Instagram / Miss Universe Great Britain

Miss Ukraine 2022 is Viktoria Apanasenko, first runner-up from last year's contest. There was no pageant held this year owing to the war in the country. Photo: Instagram / Viktoria Apanasenko

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chau has been named Miss Universe Vietnam 2022. Photo: Facebook / Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chau

Filipino-Italian beauty queen Celeste Cortesi was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2022 in Manila. EPA-EFE

Bhutan is marking its pageant debut this year and Tashi Choden is the country's first beauty queen. Photo: Tashi Choden

Laksmi Suardana took the Puteri Indonesia 2022 crown, becoming the first contestant from Bali to enter Miss Universe. Photo: Laksmi Shari De Neefe Suardana

Miss Universe Ghana 2022 Engracia Afua K Mofuman was one of the first women to be crowned in 2022, in order to compete in the 71st Miss Universe pageant. Photo: Engracia Mofuman

Hanna Kim, from Seoul, will represent South Korea in the next Miss Universe pageant. Photo: Hanna Ming

The first and last time the Seychelles competed in Miss Universe was 1995 and so, after that 27-year hiatus, Gabriella Gonthier, from Mahe, will be representing her home country. Photo: Gabriella Gonthier/ Miss University Africa

Amelia Tu, from Vancouver, winner of Miss Universe Canada 2022. Photo: Miss Universe Canada

Miss Universe Jamaica 2022, Toshami Calvin, 26, is the cousin of Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh. Photo: Instagram / officialmissuniversejamaica