Palestinian Pageant Queen To Compete At Miss Universe 2025 For The 'First Time In History'; Hopes To Raise Awareness About Gaza

For the first time in the pageant's history, Palestine will have its own representative at Miss Universe, and it's none other than Nadeen Ayoub. The Dubai-based Palestinian beauty queen announced on August 13 that she will compete at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand on November 21, marking a milestone moment for her homeland and for global pageantry.

Palestine set to make history at Miss Universe 2025

Nadeen's historic announcement came through an Instagram video, in which she described the moment as more than a personal achievement; it’s a responsibility.

In her Instagram caption, the pageant queen expressed, “I am honoured to announce that for the first time ever, Palestine will be represented at Miss Universe. Today, I step onto the Miss Universe stage not just with a title—but with a truth. As Palestine endures heartbreak—especially in Gaza—I carry the voice of a people who refuse to be silenced."

"I represent every Palestinian woman and child whose strength the world needs to see. We are more than our suffering—we are resilience, hope, and the heartbeat of a homeland that lives on through us," she concluded.

Voice beyond the headlines

Nadeen’s mission is clear: to use the Miss Universe platform to amplify the voices of Palestinians, especially women and children. Through her initiative Saidat Falasteen (Women of Palestine), she plans to share untold stories, ones that rarely make the news, highlighting strength, creativity, and hope within her community.

She emphasised that Palestinian women are more than symbols of struggle; they are women with dreams, talents, and voices that deserve to be heard on the world stage. Her aim is to inspire girls to chase ambitions beyond what they’ve been told is possible, even in the face of adversity.

"I am proud to walk this path, not just as Miss Palestine, but as a voice for those who deserve to be seen and heard," Nadeen stated.

Who is Nadeen Ayoub?

As reported by The National on August 13, Nadeen Ayoub is a Dubai-based Palestinian beauty queen who resides between Dubai and Ramallah in the West Bank. She earned the Miss Palestine title in 2022, a year that also saw her make history as the country’s first-ever contestant at the Miss Earth pageant, where she secured a spot among the top five finalists.