Miss Universe 2025 held in Thailand on November 21
This Year, Miss Universe marks its 74th edition and will be held in Thailand, where the winner of 2025 will be crowned. Miss Universe is the longest-running and one of the most popular annual competitions in the world, with an estimated 500 million viewers.
Contestants from more than 130 countries have landed in Thailand for the finale, which will be held on November 21 2025,
For the first time in history, an Emirati, Mariam Mohamed, will represent the UAE at the competition, while Nadeen Ayoub as Miss Universe Palestine, will be making her debut. Both the contestants were seen together posing for pictures in Bangkok last week.
Contestants from Iraq, Lebanon and the winner of Miss Universe Persia are among the other regional participants. Miss universe Bahrain has not been participating this year.
Grand Finale will be held on November 21, at the Impact Challenger exhibition centre in the city of Pak Kret, about 30 minutes’ drive from Bangkok. Contestants will participate in several initial events and interviews before the grand finale.
Here’s a list of the contestants from the Middle East who have been announced so far.
Miss Universe UAE 2025: Mariam Mohamed
A 26 years old, fashion student in Dubai is making history to become the first Emirati woman to represent the UAE globally by taking part in one of the most watched shows, Miss Universe 2025. Mariam Mohammad born and raised in Sharjah, loves travelling around the world and exploring different cultures. She is a passionate falconer and camel rider.
Marium initially started her journey by taking part in Miss Arab World, held in 2022, in which she won the title of Miss Arab UAE and came in second place in the final competition in Egypt. Even though she didn’t win, “the experience was meaningful and valuable,” she said. “I met lots of people with different cultures,” she added.
The UAE gives me confidence to dream big. Miss Universe is not just about beauty, it’s about making an impact. I want to represent women who are ambitious, curious and motivated.
Miss Universe Palestine: Nadeen Ayoub
A certified wellness and nutrition coach who holds a degree in literature and psychology, Nadeen Ayoub is making history by being the first from her country to step onto the miss universe stage. The 27 year old Palestinian woman, raised between Palestine, the US and Canada, was crowned miss Palestine back in 2022.
“I will carry the voice of people who refuse to be silenced,” She said. A Powerful stage like Miss Universe carries a responsibility to speak about what’s happening around the world and address Gaza. No one should stay silent in the face of injustice. This is the moment when Palestine must be presented on every possible platform.
Miss Universe Lebanon: Sarah Boujaoude
20-year-old Sarah Boujaoude, a fashion model and finance student at the American University of Beirut was selected in June to represent her country at Miss Universe 2025 Thailand. Sarah was also a runner up at Miss Miss Lebanon 2024.
“My goal is to empower women by encouraging self-acceptance and inner beauty” She said following her announcement. In this unrealistic beauty era, I want every woman, especially young women, to accept themselves just as they are. True beauty begins within through confidence, strength and unique qualities that cannot be defined by appearance.
Miss Universe Persia: Sahar Biniaz
Sahar Biniaz is a 40 year old Canadian woman who won Miss Universe Canada back in 2012, but couldn’t compete in the international competition because of a foot injury.
After her selection for Miss Universe 2025 Thailand she said, ‘Persian women are not only beautiful but powerful as well.’ “I stand for the woman who has gone through restrictions but never surrendered. The woman who has cried but still smiles.
Miss Universe Iraq: Hanin Al Qoreishy
Hanin Al Qoreishy is a 27 year old an American citizen who Lives in Houston, Texas. She emigrated from Iraq at the age of 12. Hanin was selected as Miss Universe Iraq in June. She is a self-made entrepreneur and an advocate for child refugees, inspired by her own past. She has participated in several beauty pageants and won the title of Miss Grand Nevada in 2024.
Miss Universe Egypt: Sabrina Erian
Sabrina Erian, a 23 year old model from Cairo with both Egyptian and Moldovan roots, has worked with major brands like L’Oreal, Calvin Klein and Reebok. She said she will proudly represent both the cultures on the Miss Universe Stage.
The journey is not about wearing a crown only, it’s about honouring both sides of culture and heritage. I carry the strength, history and passion of Cairo and hold the grace, resilience and warmth of Eastern Europe. I will embrace where I came from and carry it with pride into everything I do.
