Shawdesh desk:

A Saudi model will represent the Kingdom in its Miss Universe debut at the annual pageantry event in Mexico in September.

The news broke after the award-winning Saudi model Rumy Al-Qahtani announced her participation on a social media post.

Taking to Instagram, Al-Qahtani said (in Arabic): “Honored to participate in Miss Universe 2024.”

“This is the first participation of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe competition,” she added, posing with the Saudi flag and a sash that reads “Miss Universe Saudi Arabia.”

The Riyadh-born model is among pageantry veterans, having represented the Kingdom in numerous other events including Miss Arab Peace, Miss Planet, Miss Middle East, and more.

Al-Qahtani has over a million followers on Instagram.

In various events, she has been spotted wearing clothes that represent Saudi designs.

In interviews with the news media, she has highlighted her desire to promote Saudi Arabia’s culture and heritage.