Dubai to host first-ever Miss Universe UAE beauty pageant

Dubai will host the first-ever Miss Universe UAE beauty pageant in November, with the winner heading for the global event in Israel in December.

It'll take place at La Perle, Al Habtoor City on November 7, and will be open to all UAE residents between the ages of 18 and 28.

The three-hour event will feature women representing the beauty and essence of the UAE competing in multiple categories, including personal statement, couture activewear, evening gown and interview.

Online registration will begin on October 7, with a casting call held on October 15 at Al Habtoor Palace Hotel.

On October 20, 30 applicants will be announced, who will advance to the final round in November.

They will go through several pre-pageant activities like a photoshoot, runway challenges, commercial shoots and a closed-door panel interview.

"The UAE is marking a very important time in its history, from the signing of the Abraham Accords, to hosting the World Expo, and there has never been a better time to shine a spotlight on the women residing in this country," highlighted Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organisation.

"Miss Universe UAE is not just a parade of beauty or celebration of intelligence but moreover she is a paragon of a purposeful queen and a heart to
serve and help through her advocacies," added Josh Yugen, Founder and CEO of Yugen Events and the new President and National Director of The Miss Universe UAE.

"We are going to bring a new take on pageantry. A new breed of fashion, beauty and pageant which Dubai is known for. This will mark a new era in the whole regional fashion scene.” said Furne Amato, Head of Fashion and Creatives.