Nadeen Ayoub Hailed First Miss Palestine to Compete in Miss Universe

Nadeen Ayoub will make history as the first woman to represent Palestine at the Miss Universe pageant. The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) confirmed she will compete in Bangkok on November 21, 2025.

“The Miss Universe Organization proudly welcomes delegates from across the globe, celebrating diversity, cultural exchange, and the empowerment of women,” MUO said in a statement. The organisation described Ayoub as “an accomplished advocate and model from Palestine” who “embodies the resilience and determination that define our platform.”

Ayoub will join competitors from more than 130 other countries and territories at the 74th Miss Universe, including Miss Universe Belize Isabella Zabaneh.

Ayoub, 27, was crowned Miss Palestine in 2022. Posting on Instagram, she said, “I am honoured to announce that for the first time ever, Palestine will be represented at Miss Universe.” She added, “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.”

Her participation comes as the war in Gaza continues, which the Palestinian Ministry of Health reports has killed at least 62,004 people since October 2023, with the majority said to be women and children.