Nadeen Ayoub, a 27-year-old Palestinian-Canadian model and wellness coach, will make history as the first-ever Palestinian contestant at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, scheduled for 21 November in Pak Kret, Thailand.
Ayoub, who lives in Dubai, says she hopes to use the global stage to highlight the resilience of Palestinian women and children amid ongoing regional conflicts.
Crowned Miss Palestine in 2022, Ayoub had already broken barriers when she became the first Palestinian to compete in the Miss Earth pageant, finishing in the top five and earning the Miss Water 2022 title. Her participation in Miss Universe is seen as a milestone for Palestine, which gained non-member observer state status at the United Nations in 2012.
The Miss Universe Organization welcomed Ayoub, describing her as an “accomplished advocate and model” who embodies “resilience and determination.”
Through her initiative Sayidat Falasteen, Ayoub promotes Palestinian women’s stories and supports their businesses at home and across the diaspora. She also founded the Olive Green Academy in Dubai, which trains Palestinian women in digital media and environmental advocacy.
In a recent Instagram post, Ayoub said she was honoured to represent “every Palestinian woman and child whose strength the world needs to see,” pledging to showcase hope and resilience rather than suffering.
Her announcement has been widely celebrated on social media, with many supporters hailing it as a historic step for Palestinian representation. Some critics, however, have questioned her eligibility due to her Canadian background and residence in Dubai, though this has not overshadowed the excitement surrounding her debut.
Ayoub’s journey to the Miss Universe stage took years of applications and interviews, with limited resources compared to other delegations. She plans to highlight Palestinian culture through her wardrobe, including a traditional tatreez-embroidered gown by designer Hiba Abdelkarim, whose work has been worn by Queen Rania of Jordan.
The 74th Miss Universe pageant will feature more than 130 contestants, including Miss Israel Melanie Shiraz. Given the political sensitivities, Ayoub’s participation is expected to draw significant global attention.
