For the first time in history, Palestine will be represented at the Miss Universe pageant, with Nadeen Ayoub set to take the stage in Thailand on 21 November 2025.
The 27-year-old wellness coach and psychology student, based in Dubai, has pledged to use the platform to showcase the resilience of her people and amplify the voices of Palestinian women and children.
Announcing her role on Instagram, Ayoub said: 'Today, I step onto the Miss Universe stage not just with a title — but with a truth.'
Wearing a dress embroidered with tatreez, the traditional Palestinian stitching that carries stories of identity and heritage, she promised to represent her country with both pride and purpose.
Who Is Nadeen Ayoub? Meet the Trailblazer
Ayoub is a certified health and nutrition coach with prior experience representing her country on the international stage. The 27-year-old competed in Miss Earth in 2022, becoming the first Palestinian to do so and finishing in the top five, as reported by Gulf News.
Balancing her studies in psychology with dedicated advocacy, she has since worked to raise awareness about the struggles of children growing up amid conflict and the collapse of mental health services in Gaza.
'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,' Nadeen said, making it clear that her participation is driven by a greater purpose than winning a crown.
Her initiative, Saidat Falasteen, aims to draw attention to stories of resilience, creativity, and hope that are often overlooked in the news. 'We are more than our struggle, we are women with dreams, talents, and a powerful voice to offer the world. This journey is for every single girl who dares to dream beyond the headlines,' she added.
A Debut for the History Books
Nadeen is set to bring her country's flag to the Miss Universe 2025 stage in Thailand on 21 November, transforming her role into a global platform for visibility and empowerment.
'I am honored to announce that for the first time, Palestine will be represented at Miss Universe," the contestant said on her official Instagram account,' she said. 'Today, I step onto the Miss Universe stage not just with a title – but with a truth.'
'As Palestine endures heartbreak – especially in Gaza – I carry the voice of a people who refuse to be silenced.' She continued, 'I represent every Palestinian woman and child whose strength the world needs to see. We are more than our suffering – we are resilience, hope, and the heartbeat of a homeland that lives on through us.'
A Platform with a Purpose
The Miss Universe competition is one of the world's most-watched international beauty pageants, bringing together contestants from over 80 countries.
With the ongoing conflict in Gaza drawing global attention and many countries moving to recognise a Palestinian state, Palestine's debut brings a new symbolic dimension to the event.
For many years, the pageant has provided a platform where contestants do more than showcase beauty and talent; they also use their voices to champion important causes and represent their national identity.
Nadeen Ayoub's remarkable journey, from her top-five finish at Miss Earth to becoming the first Miss Universe contestant from Palestine, embodies a mission to break barriers, celebrate culture, and give a voice to her people.
