Canadian living in Dubai says she will represent Palestine at Miss Universe pageant
Nadeen Ayoub, 27, shared news on social media earlier this month while wearing Miss Universe Palestine sash
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A Canadian woman living in Dubai said she will represent Palestine at this year’s Miss Universe pageant.
Nadeen Ayoub, 27, shared the news on social media earlier this month while wearing an elaborate white and red gown with a Miss Universe Palestine sash.
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“I am honoured to share with you that I’ll be representing Palestine at Miss Universe 2025,” she says in a video posted on her social media accounts.
“At a time when the world’s eyes are on our homeland, I carry this role with deep responsibility.
“It’s more than a title; it’s a platform to speak up for the people of Palestine, especially our women and children.”
It is unclear how she was appointed to be the representative of a country that most nations don’t recognize, though no competition appears to have been held, according to the New York Post.
Ayoub, however, is listed as founder and manager of the Miss Palestine Organization, the group behind her title, the outlet reported. The organization only registered its website in May and features black and white photos of Ayoub holding a crown.
Ayoub was born in the U.S., raised in Canada and lives in Dubai, according to the Post. The model and wellness coach reportedly studied English literature and psychology at Western University. She also attended high school in London, Ont., according to her LinkedIn page.
She claimed to have first earned the title of Miss Palestine in 2022, but told United Arab Emirates newspaper The National that she postponed plans to go to Miss Universe after the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks by Hamas.
A spokesperson for the Miss Palestine Organization did not respond to how Ayoub’s appointment came about, but told the outlet: “We’re currently preparing the official materials for Miss Palestine and will share the full details in our upcoming media note once it’s ready.”
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Mario Bucaro, vice0president of international relations for the Miss Universe Organization, told the Post that “all applications are carefully reviewed” and evaluated by a commission within the organization.
He did not elaborate on how Ayoub was chosen, but maintained Miss Universe is “an apolitical, inclusive organization.”
“We look forward to seeing Ms. Ayoub on the Miss Universe stage, showcasing the beauty, talent and resilience of her people,” he said.
Ayoub shared that she would be sharing “stories of strength, creativity and hope” throughout her journey through her initiative, Sayidat Falasteen.
“We are more than our struggle, we are women with dreams, talents and a powerful voice to offer the world,” she said in her video reveal.
“This journey is for every single girl who dares to dream beyond the headlines and for every woman shaping a better future despite the odds.
“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.”
The pageant will be held in Thailand on Nov. 21.
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