The Miss Universe Organization, and Yugen Events announced today, October 7, 2021,  that the historical first-ever MISS UNIVERSE® UAE competition will be happening in Dubai, at the official press conference at Armani/Ristorante, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa – the world’s taller tower.

The premiere edition of the legendary pageant will be held live and in partnership with the spectacular entertainment venue La Perle at Al Habtoor City, Dubai.

“I could not be more pleased to welcome the first-ever representative from the United Arab Emirates, to our globally televised event in December,” said Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization. “The UAE is marking a very important time in its history, from the signing of the Abraham Accords, to hosting the World Expo, and there has never been a better time to shine a spotlight on the women residing in this country.”

“It is such an honour for Yugen Events to partner with an organization like MISS UNIVERSE®, who has been in the industry for the last 70 years – inspiring and empowering women from all over the world.” said Josh Yugen, Founder and CEO of Yugen Events and the new President and National Director of The Miss Universe UAE “Miss Universe UAE is not just a parade of beauty or celebration of intelligence but moreover she is a paragon of a purposeful queen and a heart to serve and help through her advocacies.”

The three-hour event will feature women representing the beauty and essence of the UAE competing in multiple categories, including personal statement, couture activewear, evening gown and interview.

The Miss Universe UAE has appointed members of the council to further prepare the event and the winner for the global pageant.

Josh Yugen  – President and National Director (Founder and CEO of Yugen Group – Yugen PR, Yugen Events and XPEDITION Magazine)

Furne Amato – Head of Creatives, Fashion and Design (Founder and Creative Director of AMATO Couture)

Maggie Wilson – Creative Consultant (TV host, actress, interior designer and entrepreneur)

Afaf Meky – Head of Charities and Philanthropy (Country Manager of Smile Train – the biggest cleft palate charity in the world)

Sharihan Al Mashary – Head of Communications (First-ever female Emirati Hotel GM in the UAE

Zel Ali – Head of Compassion and Empowerment (Aiming Higher Advocate – UNHCR UAE)

The application and casting will start from today October 7, 2021 through online registration at www.missuniverseuae.com . All selected ladies will be called for a personal casting call on October 15, 2021 at Al Habtoor Palace Hotel. From there, only 30 ladies will advance to the live show and will be announced on October 20, 2021.

In the weeks ahead of the finals, from October 20 – 30, all 30 contestants will get to compete on several pre-pageant activities such as photoshoot, runway challenge, commercial shoots, preliminary activewear, evening gown and close door panel interview.

“We are going to bring a new take on pageantry. A new breed of fashion, beauty and pageant which Dubai is known for. This will mark a new era in the whole regional fashion scene.” said Furne Amato, Head of Fashion and Creatives.

Find MISS UNIVERSE® UAE on Facebook and YouTube, and follow on Twitter and Instagram. The Miss Universe UAE is a YUGEN Group company.