Meet Rumi al Khattani: From Riyadh Runways to Miss Universe Stage
Rumi al Khattani: Saudi Arabia’s Trailblazer at Miss Universe”
What I’m about to tell you will go down in history books. For the first time ever, Saudi Arabia is all set to participate in the Miss Universe pageant and who is going to represent the country?
A well known Runway model from Riyadh, Rumi al Khattani. In fact, she took to her Instagram page to share the exciting news, and in her post she looked stunning in a silver colored sequined gown.
She also donned a Miss Universe Saudi Arabia Sash and held up the saudi flag in her hand. She wrote, and I’m quoting, this is a major achievement for Saudi Arabia as we enterthe global arena of beauty and diversity.
The 27 year old has already made a name for herself in the beauty pageant industry. Apart from being crowned Miss Saudi Arabia, she holds titles like Miss Middle East, Miss Arab World Peace 2021,
Miss Women Saudi Arabia. She also competed in several competitions including Miss Arab World, Miss Asia, Miss Global, Miss Woman, Miss Woman International and Miss Planet International.
And now she’s all set to compete in the Miss Universe event, which will be held in Mexico on the 18 September. Rumi has a million followers on Instagram, thousands more on other social media platforms.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in dentistry. She’s fluent in English, French, Arabic. Saudi Arabia’s participation in the pageant comes amid a series of progressive steps taken by the kingdom to modernize and also diversify its economy, all under the rule of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Notably,
the country has been actively encouraging tourism, opening its doors to international visitors and unveiling ambitious plans to develop tourism infrastructure and attractions.
Earlier in the year, it opened its first liquor store as well and now comes its entry into the pageant. Since its a first, there is a lot of curiosity. Also questions around the rules and the dress code.
What would Ruby wear? Will she have to cater to any restrictions given the conservatism of her country? Earlier, some beauty queens have stuck to dressing modestly.
Miss universe Bahrain Evelyn Khalifa wore an abaya at the pageant. Another element is the swimwear round. In fact, Khalifa’s Miss Bahrain predecessor, Manar Nadeem Dayani made history as she chucked the bikini and took to the stage wearing a modest activewear look.