For the first time, the UAE will be represented on the Miss Universe stage, with model and mother-of-three Emilia Dobreva taking on the role after being crowned Miss Universe UAE in a private audition held in October.

National director for the UAE, Poppy Capella, appointed by the Miss Universe Organisation, praised Emilia as an ideal choice. “She was the perfect choice for Miss Universe UAE. She has been living in the UAE for over a decade, is married to an Emirati man, speaks Arabic and is a beautiful and smart woman.”

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Emilia will join contestants from 130 countries at the Miss Universe grand finale in Mexico City on November 16. She will wear a unique abaya in the national costume round, featuring real sand from the UAE and design elements symbolizing the country’s modernity.

“The bottom of her abaya will have real sand taken from the country and the top part of her abaya will reflect the modernity that this country has achieved. The gown will truly embody the UAE, showing how it has built up a modern country from the sand," Poppy said.

Previously, only unmarried girls between 18 and 28 years of age were allowed to participate in the Miss Universe contest. But last year, Miss Universe lifted previous restrictions related to age, height, weight, and marital status, aiming to transform the event into a platform empowering women. Alongside the UAE, nine other countries are debuting at Miss Universe, including Somalia’s first hijabi contestant.

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She added that respecting UAE culture was paramount. “Emilia will wear a fully covered swimsuit, also known as the burqini, in the swimwear round at the international competition. Her clothes are also modest, in line with the local culture.”

The highlight of Miss Universe UAE was the stunning Dh15 million "Palm of Inclusion" crown, crafted by luxury jeweler Mouwad.