Pageants are SO back. The ultimate glam showdown, AKA the Miss Universe pageant, will take place on November 14th-16th in Mexico City.
Reigning queen and 2023 winner Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua is ready to pass the crown to one of many hopefuls from across the world who are gearing up to represent their country at the grand event.
This year’s lineup is a historical moment for the MENA region, with crowns already snagged in Egypt, Bahrain, Pakistan and Lebanon. And for the first time ever, Iran is making a debut in the pageant – with Miss Universe Persia set to compete for the crown in Mexico.
The finalists of MENA are crowned and are heading to Mexixo. The competition’s fierce, the stories are inspiring, and the stakes? Higher than ever. Here’s what you need to know about each contestant ahead of the beauty pageant of the year…
Egypt – Logina Salah
Meet Logina Salah – a 34-year-old Dubai-based model who’s repping Egypt with pride and passion. She’s been turning heads not just for her beauty, but for her inspiring journey with vitiligo. After battling bullying and self-doubt, she’s taking on Miss Universe through empowering people who feel like they don’t belong. Already backed by major beauty brands like Chanel, Dior, and Sephora, she’s a queen with purpose and we can’t wait to follow along her journey.
Bahrain – Shereen Ahmed
Shereen Ahmed is glowing after snagging the Miss Universe Bahrain crown. At 29, the journalist and TV presenter is taking the stage thanks to the newly-introduced no-age-limit rule. Shereen placed 2nd runner-up in 2022. This year? It’s her moment, and she’s here to advocate for mental health, strong women and self-love, all while bringing Bahraini fire to Mexico. ICYMI, read the beautiful Cosmo ME cover story between Shereen and her life-long bestie, Ola Elsharef, here.
Pakistan – Noor Xarmina
Xarmina, the multi-talented 29-year-old actress and model from Islamabad, is only the second Miss Universe Pakistan ~ever~. With a resume that includes venture capital in London (we stan a corp-girlie), she’s now all about putting Pakistan on the global map—one fierce catwalk at a time.
Lebanon – Nada Koussa
Say hello to Nada Koussa, the 26-year-old psychologist and activist crowned Miss Universe Lebanon. With a platform focused on natural beauty and rejecting beauty stereotypes, she’s on a mission to prove every woman is uniquely beautiful. Nada is looking forward to putting her home country on a global stage.
Persia (Iran) – Ava Vaneshan
In a Miss Universe first, Iran—aka Miss Universe Persia—is being repped by Vaneshan, a singer and Chinese medicine specialist. After some pageant drama, she’s stepping in for the original winner, and she’s got a big message. Vaneshan is representing Persia’s rich culture, but she’s also a voice for the voiceless, bringing stories and struggles to the global stage.
UAE – Emilia Dobreva
Meet Emilia Dobreva, also known as the first ever Miss Universe UAE. Named Best Model at Dubai Fashion Week, the three-time mother (We know, you can’t tell she’s had three children, can you?) hopes to use the Miss Universe platform to further her work with charities such as the Lions Club and Smile Train.
ICYMI: Khadija Omar is the first hijabi woman to represent Somalia at Miss Universe. Read all about it here.