The most anticipated beauty pageant of the year is *almost* here.
Prepare to witness the grandest beauty pageant in the Middle East as the inaugural pageant will take place in Ras Al Khaimah this August.
This highly anticipated event promises to be a spectacular showcase of beauty, talent, and cultural diversity, with contestants from across the region vying for prestigious titles.
The event will feature a distinguished judging panel, including global beauty queen Drita Ziri, the winner of Miss Earth 2023, Cosmo ME Deputy Editor Sara-Aisha Kent, along other notable celebrities and influential figures.
As we gear up for the grand event, we’re bringing you an exclusive look at some of this year’s contestants. This is going to be MAJOR.
Safia M. I. Hijazi
A 24-year-old chemical engineering graduate, Safia has a passion for environmental protection. Her love for deep diving and cleaning the ocean floor reflects her commitment to returning our planet to its original state. Safia, a 24-year-old chemical engineering graduate, is driven by her goal of restoring our planet to its original state. Her dedication to environmental protection is evident through her hobby of deep diving and cleaning the ocean floor.
Mariam Mohamed
Runner-up Miss Arab World UAE and Miss Arab World UAE 2022, Mariam holds a degree in Economics from the University of Sydney. Passionate about development economics, social work, and sustainability, she also finds peace in camel riding, symbolizing resilience and tradition.
Noura Aljasmi
Noura is a 22-year-old aviation science student who volunteers at Expo COP28. Her goal is to challenge stereotypes about Arab and Emirati women while sharing her country’s heritage, culture, and fashion. She has also been horse riding since the age of 10.
Aicha Latroch
Aicha is an Algerian national with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She is passionate about social work and self-development, and finds solace in horse riding and yoga, believing in their positive impact on mental health.
Katherine Yakunchenkova
A business owner and co-founder of the Seafarer’s Relief Fund, Katherine has made significant contributions to the maritime industry. Her career began with a harrowing piracy incident, which inspired her to protect seafarers’ rights and provide crisis aid.
Naiyntara Kewlani
Born and raised in Dubai, Naiyntara oversees operations and strategy for her family’s textile business. As an ACCA affiliate, she finds fulfilment in leading her family’s legacy and witnessing Dubai’s remarkable transformation.
Pawan Deep Kaur Batra
Pawan is a Canadian with roots in Punjab, India, and is a fashion enthusiast, professional model, and software engineer. She has worked with major multinational companies and walked for top Indian fashion designers, empowering others to pursue their dreams.
Amini Nelly
Amini, a Congolese entrepreneur and partner in an Edtech company, is passionate about education and women’s rights. She advocates for women’s rights through the Schoolap Foundation and BOLT, aiming to change lives through joint efforts.
Khadija Bianchi
An advocate for women’s empowerment, Khadija was born in Italy with Cuban roots and now lives in Dubai. Her work promotes tourism and international relations, aiming to inspire women to pursue their dreams and recognize the Middle East’s potential.
Rime Sadok
Moving from Milan to Dubai, Rime’s life changed at 20 as she pursued her dreams in fashion, art, and music. She aims to open her own fashion brand, and believes in the power of action over words.
Iryna Kinakh
The founder of Unique U, Iryna blends psychology, astrology, and numerology to create personalized gifts. A mother of two, she focuses on personal growth and positivity, believing in the power of uniqueness and following one’s dreams.
Shifali Sharrma
A marketing maestro with a background in AI and digital advertising, Shifali is a social media manager and lifestyle content creator. She believes in balancing passions with education and draws inspiration from poetry, nature and spiritual practises.
Natalia Polchiy
Representing Lebanon, Nataliya is a passionate health and fitness lover, and njoys creating music and salsa dancing. She aims to make a positive impact through her diverse interests.
Manar Shafik
Born in the UAE with Egyptian roots, Manar is a media executive passionate about women’s and children’s rights. Fluent in German and English, she aspires to be Mrs Middle East to further her advocacy on a global scale.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the event date. Join us in celebrating beauty, diversity, and empowerment at the Miss and Mrs Middle East Pageant in Ras Al Khaimah.
Meet the masterminds behind Middle Eastern beauty pageants here.