In a historic first, the United Arab Emirates has crowned its first Emirati Miss Universe titleholder. Mariam Mohamed, a 26-year-old fashion student with a passion for empowerment and social change, has been named Miss Universe UAE 2025. She will represent the UAE at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand next month.
According to Khaleej Times, Mariam was selected from hundreds of contestants after a meticulous evaluation process. The young Emirati, who holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Sydney and is currently pursuing fashion design at ESMOD Dubai, described the title as an opportunity to be “a voice for women who are ambitious, curious, and driven.”
“The UAE has given me the confidence to dream big,” Mariam said after her crowning. “Miss Universe UAE is not just about beauty, it’s about impact — creating positive change and inspiring others.”
Her background reflects a fusion of education, creativity, and advocacy. She has worked on sustainable fashion projects, volunteered in charitable initiatives such as Ramadan Aman and The Giving Family Initiative, and participated in international entrepreneurship programs promoting women’s empowerment.
Deeply rooted in Emirati culture, Mariam blends tradition with modern innovation. From falconry and camel riding to designing eco-friendly fashion, she represents a new generation of Emirati women who honor their heritage while contributing to global progress.
Poppy Capella, the national director of Miss Universe UAE, praised Mariam’s selection, calling her “a woman of vision, intellect, and cultural pride.” She noted that Mariam’s blend of academic excellence, humanitarian focus, and deep understanding of Emirati identity made her the perfect ambassador for the nation on the global stage.
Over 950 contestants competed for the title, making Miss Universe UAE 2025 one of the country’s most competitive and inclusive pageants. Poppy emphasized that each participant embodied “the UAE’s spirit of empowerment, leadership, and innovation.”
Meanwhile, Roma Riaz has been crowned Miss Universe Pakistan 2025, representing Pakistan at the global pageant in Thailand. Roma shared her excitement on social media, writing, “This crown isn’t just mine, it belongs to every girl who dares to dream beyond limits. I’m honored to carry the beauty, strength, and heart of Pakistan on the Miss Universe stage.”
Both representatives — Mariam from the UAE and Roma from Pakistan — will compete among contestants from more than 80 countries, showcasing not only their individuality but also the growing influence of South Asian and Middle Eastern women in global platforms of empowerment and culture.
