Saudi Arabia seems to be making many changes to its previously existing laws. The Muslim country could have its first Miss Universe contestant this year, organisers said this week, after a fashion model and influencer claimed she had been selected. The Miss Universe Organization is currently undergoing a rigorous vetting process qualifying a potential candidate to be awarded the Saudi Arabia franchise, Maria Jose Unda, the organisations coordinator of international relations, said in a statement to AFP. Well have a decision on the National Director for Saudi Arabia very, very soon, she said, noting it was possible for Saudi Arabia to have a contestant in place before the next edition of the competition, scheduled for September in Mexico. The statement came after Saudi model Rumy al-Qahtani created a buzz online in late March when she posted to her hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers that she was honoured to represent Saudi Arabia at Miss Universe at the upcoming event. The post included pictures of Qahtani, a 27-year-old native of Riyadh, in a sequined dress holding the green Saudi flag inscribed with the shahada, or Islamic creed. Less than a week later, Miss Universe issued a statement referring to Qahtanis post as false and misleading and saying no selection process had been carried out in the Gulf kingdom. Fielding a Miss Universe candidate, if it happens, would mark another step in Saudi Arabias effort to soften its ultra-conservative image as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler, tries to lure tourists and investors. Just days ago, it was announced that Saudi Arabia had opened its first alcohol store. This angered Nigerian Muslims and they made their displeasure known (read here).The post Saudi Arabia could have its first Miss Universe contestant this year after opening first alcohol store appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog. Click Here to Visit Orignal Source of Article http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2024/4/saudi-arabia-could-have-its-first-miss-universe-contestant-this-year-after-opening-first-alcohol-store-2.html
Saudi Arabia could have its first Miss Universe contestant this year after opening first alcohol store
