For the first time, the UAE will be represented on the Miss Universe stage. Model and mother-of-three Emilia Dobreva, crowned Miss Universe UAE in a private audition in October, will take the spotlight at the global event.
“She’s the perfect choice,” said Poppy Capella, national director for Miss Universe UAE. “Emilia has lived in the UAE for over a decade, is married to an Emirati, speaks Arabic, and embodies beauty and intelligence.”
The Miss Universe finale, set for November 16 in Mexico City, will feature Emilia among contestants from 130 countries. For the national costume round, Emilia will wear a custom-designed abaya reflecting the UAE’s essence. The design, featuring sand from the UAE at the bottom and a modern aesthetic at the top, symbolizes the country’s transformation from its desert roots to a modern powerhouse.
A New Era for Miss Universe
Miss Universe recently removed restrictions on age, height, weight, and marital status to empower women globally. The 2023 pageant marks the UAE’s debut alongside nine other nations, including Miss Somalia, the first hijabi contestant.
How It All Started
Poppy Capella, with experience leading Miss Universe Indonesia and Malaysia, was approached to bring UAE’s first representation to life. “The UAE is one of the safest places for women and deeply values their empowerment,” Poppy shared. Given the late start, auditions were held privately, respecting UAE’s culture.
Notably, the UAE competition excluded a swimwear round, and Emilia will wear a modest burqini during the international swimwear segment.
Over 1,000 Entries and Rigorous Training
The competition received over 1,000 entries from Emiratis and expats, eventually narrowing down to 16 finalists. “We wanted to honor both Emiratis and expats who contribute to building the UAE,” Poppy said. Finalists underwent bootcamp training in public speaking and catwalk skills. Emilia’s preparation has been intense, with hopes she’ll make it to the top five.
Crowning Moments and Partnerships
The event’s highlight was the Palm of Inclusion crown, worth over Dh15 million, designed by luxury jeweler Mouwad. Collaborations with Belionel and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) saw T-shirts designed for charity, with all proceeds going to MSF UAE.
Plans are already underway to make next year’s event even bigger.
Reality Show to Showcase UAE’s Beauty
The Miss Universe UAE franchise has partnered with BrightFlixx Entertainment to produce a reality show featuring contestants exploring hidden gems of the UAE. Each episode will highlight the country’s culture, traditions, and natural beauty.
