This year’s Miss Universe Pageant will feature contestants from nations that many do not officially recognize, largely due to cultural and religious reasons that have created controversies surrounding their participation in such events.
Representing Palestine for the first time is 27-year-old Nadine Ayub, who is set to compete in November.
Interestingly, I struggled to find details about the Miss Palestine pageant itself—like when or where it took place, other contestants, or how one might sign up.
Evidently, there’s not much official information out there about Ayub on her social media platforms or the Miss Palestine organization’s website.
She was reportedly born in the U.S., raised in Canada, and now lives in Dubai. A low-key announcement directed followers to her website and social media, confirming her role as Palestine’s representative at the Miss Universe competition happening in Thailand on November 21st.
“I am proud to walk this path not only as a voice for Miss Palestinians, but also for those who deserve to see and hear,” Ayub shared with her 1.1 million Instagram followers, alongside a photo of herself with a sash that reads “Miss Universal Palestine.”
Ayub first assumed the title of Miss Palestine back in 2022. However, plans to participate in Miss Universe were delayed until October 7, 2023, following the Hamas terrorist attack, as reported by an Emirati newspaper.
“There was a need for a spotlight on Palestinians who have suffered more than I have, so I chose to remain behind the scenes,” Ayub noted regarding her decision not to compete previously.
“We held the Miss Palestine Beauty Competition and I received the title,” Ayub mentioned in a September 2022 interview. She stated that ongoing violence had overshadowed opportunities for Palestinians since 2022, which further motivated her wish to stay out of the limelight.
Her comments regarding the situation in Gaza drew criticism from certain Israeli media outlets, while some beauty queens expressed confusion over her participation.
“It’s strange that Miss Universe decided to include her,” said Adela Kojab, a Jewish activist from New York who placed second in this year’s Miss Israel pageant. “Miss Universe symbolizes unity and coexistence. If she embodies that, then let’s see it.”
Kojab, who previously filed a lawsuit against New York University, expressed the hope that Ayub would denounce extremism and the violence inflicted by Hamas, which resulted in significant loss of life.
Israel does not recognize Palestine as a separate state, nor does the U.S. Recently, countries like France and Canada have signaled their recognition of Palestine as a UN entity, suggesting some evolving perspectives.
The Miss Palestine organization only registered its website as recently as May, displaying elegant black and white portraits of Ayub adorned with a crown.
A spokesperson for the organization declined to clarify how Ayub was selected for the title.
Contestants have already been encouraged to sign up for the 2026 Miss Palestine competition.
Historically, the Miss Palestine contest was held in 2009 at Ramallah but was canceled amid accusations of moral corruption by Hamas officials.
Ayub, who is also a wellness coach and media entrepreneur, studied English literature and psychology at the University of Western Ontario, after which she taught in Ramallah and collaborated with humanitarian organizations.
She runs a Dubai-based company, Olive Green Academy, focused on helping aspiring influencers.
“Our commitment to providing a wide range of services is strong,” stated Mario Bucaro, the Vice President of International Relations at Miss Universe Organization.
Anne Yakrajutathip, a Thai entrepreneur, bought the Miss Universe franchise in 2022, having previously been owned by Donald Trump.
Bucaro reassured that all applications are being meticulously assessed, emphasizing Miss Universe’s political neutrality and inclusivity.
It’s fairly common for pageant organizers to create exceptions for entrants who might not represent conventional country lines, with reported fees for title sponsorship ranging significantly.
In 2022, Ayub was among the winners of the Miss Earth pageant in the Philippines, where she was awarded the title of Miss Earth Water. She mentioned having previously participated in a “Palestinian” pageant but provided scant details about it.
