For the first time, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be represented on the global stage at the prestigious Miss Universe competition.
Meet Emilia Dobreva
Emilia Dobreva, a fashion model and mother of three, won the title of Miss Universe UAE in October 2024. She will now represent the country at the international event this November.
National Director’s Announcement
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) announced the news on its official Instagram account and introduced Papi Capella, a businesswoman, as the National Director for the UAE. Capella has previously managed Miss Universe events in Indonesia and Malaysia. Capella described Dobreva as the ideal representative, emphasizing her strong connection to the UAE, fluent Arabic skills, and deep-rooted family values.
“She’s a beautiful and intelligent woman, and her deep ties to the UAE make her a powerful representative,” Capella said.
Miss Universe Competition
Dobreva will compete against contestants from 130 countries during the grand finale on November 16, 2024, in Mexico City.
Showcasing UAE Tradition
Notably, the event’s National Costume round will showcase Dobreva wearing an abaya that symbolizes the UAE’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. This gown, adorned with real sand from the UAE, represents the nation’s journey from a desert landscape to a modern powerhouse.
The 73rd edition of Miss Universe will see the debut of the UAE along with nine other countries, including the first hijabi contestant from Somalia.
A New Era of Inclusivity
In 2023, the pageant removed restrictions related to age, height, weight, and marital status, creating a more inclusive platform that celebrates women from diverse backgrounds.
Due to time constraints, the Miss Universe UAE competition was conducted privately without public auditions. The swimwear round was excluded to respect the UAE’s cultural values, and Dobreva will wear a modest burqini for the swimsuit segment at the global event.
The local pageant attracted over 1,000 entries from both Emirati and expatriate participants, leading to 16 finalists. Among them, Emirati contestant Fatima Bahman Nowroozi received the “Golden Winner” award in the “Voice of Change” category.
Since earning her crown, Dobreva has undergone extensive training in public speaking, catwalk skills, and other key aspects of pageant preparation.
Papi Capella expressed confidence in Dobreva’s potential to reach the top five, citing her strong social media presence and an ever-growing fanbase.
A Commitment to Charity
The Miss Universe UAE event underscored the country’s commitment to charitable causes. The show featured the stunning Palm of Inclusion crown, valued at over AED 15 million and crafted by renowned jewelers Mouwad. Additionally, the event collaborated with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), contributing proceeds from specially designed T-shirt sales.
The franchise has also teamed up with BrightFlixx Entertainment, a local streaming platform, to produce a reality show that celebrates the beauty and culture of the UAE.
