Guys, this is huge.
For the first time ever, the UAE steps onto the Miss Universe stage alongside other newbie countries including Iran, Uzbekistan and Somalia (which will have the first-ever hijabi contestant).
Emilia Dobreva, you must have heard of her. Otherwise where on EARTH in the Universe have you been?!
With a strong IG following of 655K, a proud “wife and mama of 3”, Emilia has just been crowned Miss Universe UAE in a private ceremony.
The grand finale of Miss Universe takes place on November 16th in Mexico City, but here’s what you NTK about this beauty queen.
Emilia Dobreva: How old is she?
Emilia turned 27 years old on May 18th. Historically, you could only enter Miss Universe as an unmarried model between the ages of 18 and 28. Luckily, they threw these old-fashioned rules out the window last year, to transform the beauty pageant into a dynamic stage to celebrate female empowerment. *We’re so pleased*.
Emilia Dobreva: Where is she from?
She grew up in Dubai and has lived here for over 10 years, but she’s originally from Kosovo. According to Poppy Capella (UAE national director for Miss Universe), she’s married to an Emirati man and can speak Arabic! 👏👏
Emilia Dobreva: What does she do?
She began modelling at the young age of 12 and has walked on many runways including Dubai and New York Fashion Week. Think of a life filled with red carpets and magazine covers, Emilia has been in the public eye for years now!
Emilia Dobreva: What are her hobbies?
Doing a quick stalk through her feed, she clearly loves to travel the world, sharing snaps from her adventures in Paris, Maldives, Cyprus and Morocco. She’s also a member of the International Humanitarian City. In a 2021 article with Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, she spoke about playing tennis regularly and about her love for animals.
Sounds like she could be our bestie 🥰.
We’ll be rooting for her on Saturday 16th November and can’t wait to see her wearing an abaya (incorporating real sand) in the national costume round!
Got NYE plans? Here’s where you need to be.