For the first time in its history, Palestine will participate in the Miss Universe pageant, marking a symbolic and powerful step onto the global stage. The 74th edition of the international beauty competition is set to take place in Thailand in November 2025.
The country will be represented by Nadine Ayoub, a 27-year-old certified Health and Nutrition Coach, who also holds academic degrees in Literature and Psychology. Crowned Miss Palestine in 2022, Ayoub is now set to be her nation's first-ever delegate at the globally recognized pageant.
More than just a beauty contest, Nadia Ayoub’s participation carries a message of identity and resistance. In a strong statement regarding her appearance at the pageant, she said she represents the Palestinian people who continue to face oppression and violence in Gaza.
“Palestine will appear on every world forum. Palestinians can no longer remain silent.”
Her involvement is being widely seen as both a political and cultural breakthrough, highlighting the aspirations of a people often excluded from international representation.
Ayoub will join over 130 contestants from around the world. This year’s Miss Universe pageant also includes participants from other Muslim-majority countries such as the United Arab Emirates (Maryam Muhammad), Iraq, Lebanon, and Iran a sign of increasing diversity within the competition.
Her entry has drawn significant international attention, positioning her as a symbol of hope and empowerment for Palestinians globally. It also reflects a growing effort to give voice to marginalized communities through mainstream international platforms.
