UAE's First Miss Universe: Meet the Beauty Queen
For the first time ever, the UAE will have a representative at the prestigious Miss Universe stage. Model and mother-of-three Emilia Dobreva, crowned Miss Universe UAE in October during a private audition, will compete at the global event this November.
A Perfect Choice for Miss Universe UAE
Poppy Capella, appointed as the national director for the UAE by the Miss Universe Organisation, praised Emilia as the ideal candidate. “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,” Poppy explained. Emilia's deep connection to the UAE, her family life, and her accomplishments make her a powerful representative for the country.
Emilia’s Stunning National Costume
Emilia will join contestants from 130 countries at the grand finale in Mexico City on November 16. One of the standout moments of the competition will be the national costume round, where Emilia will wear a stunning abaya. Poppy shared that the bottom of the abaya will feature real sand from the UAE, while the top will reflect the modernity the country has achieved. This gown, she says, will embody the UAE’s transformation from sand to a thriving, modern nation.
A New Era for Miss Universe
Historically, Miss Universe only allowed unmarried women aged 18-28 to compete. However, in 2023, the pageant lifted all restrictions on age, height, weight, and marital status, moving towards a platform that empowers women of all backgrounds. Along with the UAE, nine other countries will debut at the event this year, including the competition’s first hijabi contestant from Somalia.
No Open Audition for UAE
Poppy, who has previously managed Miss Universe events in Indonesia and Malaysia, was contacted in August to take on the challenge of representing the UAE at Miss Universe. She shared her admiration for the UAE’s commitment to women’s empowerment and safety, saying, “The country is one of the safest in the world for women, and I’ve fallen in love with it. I truly feel at home here.”
Due to time constraints, the UAE competition was conducted privately, without an open audition. Poppy emphasized the importance of respecting UAE culture, which led to the decision to omit the swimwear round in the local competition. At the global level, Emilia will wear a modest burqini during the swimsuit segment, aligning with the UAE’s cultural values.
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Over 1,000 Entries for the Title
The Miss Universe UAE competition received more than 1,000 entries, including both Emiratis and expatriates. From this, 16 finalists were chosen. “Expatriates have significantly contributed to the development of this country, and we wanted them to be part of this historic moment,” Poppy said. Among the finalists, Emirati contestant Fatima Bahman Nowroozi was honored with the Golden Winner title in the "Voice of Change" category.
Intensive Preparation for Emilia
Once Emilia was selected, she underwent daily training in public speaking and catwalk skills to ensure she was ready for the global stage. With the significant attention Emilia has received on social media, Poppy hopes she can make it to the top five at Miss Universe.
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Supporting Charitable Causes
The Miss Universe UAE event also highlighted a strong commitment to charity. A luxurious Palm of Inclusion crown, valued at over AED 15 million, was designed by renowned jewellers Mouwad for the occasion. Additionally, the event has partnered with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to donate proceeds from the sale of specially designed T-shirts.
The Future of Miss Universe UAE
The Miss Universe UAE franchise is teaming up with BrightFlixx Entertainment, a local streaming platform, to produce a reality show showcasing the beauty and culture of the UAE. “Each episode will feature contestants highlighting hidden gems across the country, along with its traditions,” said Anham Shaheen from BrightFlixx Entertainment. The aim is to offer the world a glimpse of the real beauty of the UAE.
As Emilia Dobreva prepares to make her mark on the Miss Universe stage, the UAE’s debut at this iconic event marks the beginning of a new era, one that celebrates empowerment, diversity, and cultural pride.