Saudi Arabia recently participated in the Miss Universe 2020 as part of a new agreement between the organization and the Arab world. Saudi Arabia is one of the Muslim majority countries in the world and has never had an official representative in the Miss Universe pageant before. It was the first time for a country from the middle east to compete in the Miss Universe pageant. It is predicted to be a significant milestone for the progress of the region. This article will explore the history of the Miss Universe pageant, the country’s changing position towards the pageant, and whether this could mark the beginning of a unique history of Arab women participating in the Miss Universe.
Founding and History of Miss Universe
Miss Universe was founded in 1952 by the California-based cosmetics company, Pacific Dunlop. The pageant was originally intended to be a “type of model search” and focused on American contestants. Over the years, the pageant has grown to be an international event which incorporates contestants from all around the world. The current format of the pageant consists of three rounds: the preliminary round, the final round, and finally, the coronation night.
The preliminary round is where the participants compete in swimsuit and evening gown competitions. During the final round, the finalists take part in several challenges, such as a talent show, an interview with the panel of judges, and a series of themed activities. During the coronation night, the participant with the highest overall score is crowned the winner.
Saudi Arabia’s changing stance on Miss Universe
In the past, Saudi Arabia has taken a hard line stance on the pageant. The government believed that it degraded the image of Arab women and was inconsistent with the Islamic culture. This changed in 2017 when the country’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud announced that the conservative kingdom would take part in the pageant for the first time. This announcement was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism, as many viewed it as an attempt to soften the country’s image in the face of increasing international scrutiny.
Saudi Arabia’s first contestant in the pageant was Shaden, a 19 year old student. She competed in the 2019 pageant, and while she did not win, her participation in the pageant was seen as a step forward for the kingdom. The news of Saudi Arabia’s participation was positively received by the international community, and, according to pageant officials, the Arab world is becoming more and more open to the idea of taking part in Miss Universe.
The Impact on the Region
Saudi Arabia’s participation in Miss Universe has the potential to have a positive impact on the region as a whole. By taking part in the pageant, Saudi Arabia is sending a message to the rest of the world that it respects the rights and dignity of women. This can help pave the way for other countries in the region to take part in the pageant and show that they too value the rights and freedom of their citizens.
Additionally, taking part in the pageant could establish a more positive image for the country. By participating, the country is sending a message to the global community that it is committed to empowering its citizens and providing them with the opportunities to compete on an international level. This could potentially help attract foreign investment and lead to the development of the region.
Experts’ Perspectives
The decision to take part in the pageant has been met with mixed reactions. Some see it as a positive step forward for the country while others view it as an attempt to manipulate public opinion. Experts in the field have come out in support of the country’s decision to participate. According to one expert, participating in the Miss Universe pageant is a step towards empowering women and helping them succeed in life. He believes that the pageant can help create a platform for women to showcase the talent and capabilities they possess. Others, on the other hand, see it as part of a larger agenda to “rebrand” the image of Saudi Arabia in the international community.
Own Insights and Analysis
It is clear that Saudi Arabia’s decision to take part in the Miss Universe pageant is part of a larger effort to reform the image of the kingdom globally. However, it is important to note that this progress is also driven by the country’s commitment to empowering women and providing them with greater opportunities. The fact that the country is now taking part in the pageant is a positive step forward not just for the country but also for the region as a whole. It is clear that the country’s participation is being met with excitement and could potentially have a positive impact on the region.
Opportunity for Women
By participating in the pageant, Saudi Arabia is providing its citizens – particularly its women – with the opportunity to compete on a global level. This opens up prospects for women to use their talents and capabilities to be successful in life. Additionally, the pageant could be a platform to promote the country’s culture and traditions. It has the potential to become a showcase of the country’s diversity and creativity and could help create a more positive image of the kingdom in the international community.
Conclusion of Saudi’s Presence in Miss Universe
Saudi Arabia has taken an important step towards empowering its women by allowing them to participate in the Miss Universe pageant. This could be the start of a new era in the region as more countries embrace the pageant. The pageant provides an opportunity for women in the region to showcase their talents and abilities to the world. Hopefully, this will lead to increased international investment and development in the region.
Cultural Representation
The fact that Saudi Arabia has taken part in the Miss Universe pageant gives the country the opportunity to promote its culture and values on a global scale. Saudi Arabia has a long and rich history and its participation in the pageant will help to introduce the world to its traditions and way of life. The country can also use the pageant to promote the positive traits that its citizens possess, such as their resilience and resourcefulness.
Advantages for Saudi’s Participation
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Miss Universe pageant also presents a number of potential advantages for the country. For instance, it could open up opportunities for Saudi women to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. Additionally, the pageant could also be used to promote tourism in the region and attract more foreign investment. Finally, it provides an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to show the world that it is a progressive and modern country that is looking to be a part of the global community.
Closing the Gap in the Region
Saudi Arabia’s decision to participate in the Miss Universe pageant is seen as a major step in the right direction for the region. It signals that the country recognizes the importance of empowering its women and providing them with opportunities to succeed in life. It also shows that the country is open to working with the international community to further its development. With Saudi Arabia’s participation, it is likely that more countries in the region will follow suit and open up to the idea of taking part in the pageant.
