For the first time ever, Saudi Arabia is throwing its hat into the ring of the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, and it’s about as groundbreaking as finding a café in Riyadh that serves your coffee cold on a scorching day. Rumy Alqahtani, a 27-year-old model and content creator with a flair for breaking barriers, is set to represent the Kingdom. Announcing this on Instagram, Alqahtani couldn’t hide her pride, and honestly, who could blame her? It’s like hitting a home run in your first major league at-bat.

Following in the pioneering footsteps of Lujane Yacoub from Bahrain, Alqahtani is not just stepping onto a stage; she’s stepping into history, ready to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage on a platform as vibrant and diverse as Miss Universe 2024. The pageant’s 2024 edition in Mexico is turning out to be a must-watch, with countries like Iran also joining the fray for the first time.

A Queen Among Women

Alqahtani isn’t just a contender at Miss Universe 2024; she’s a seasoned veteran in the world of beauty pageants, with titles like Miss Saudi Arabia and Miss Middle East under her belt. Her journey from Riyadh to the global stage reads like a plot from a Hollywood movie, featuring international pageants and a Bachelor’s degree in dentistry to boot. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, Alqahtani is a walking testament to the modern Saudi woman—educated, ambitious, and ready to take on the world.

Her participation signifies more than just a bid for the crown; it’s a bold statement of Saudi Arabia’s evolving stance on women’s roles in society. With Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the helm steering the Kingdom towards social and economic reforms, Alqahtani’s march onto the Miss Universe stage is as symbolic as it is historic. It’s a narrative of change, echoing through the halls of power from Riyadh to the rest of the world.

A New Era of Inclusion and Reform

The Miss Universe 2024 pageant itself is no stranger to evolution, with last year’s competition featuring two transgender women and a plus-size model reaching the semi-finals for the first time. It’s a testament to the changing face of beauty standards globally, and Saudi Arabia’s entry into this diverse mix is akin to adding a new flavor to an already rich melting pot. As the Kingdom opens its doors wider to the world, the inclusion of Saudi Arabia in such a global event signals a commitment to broader participation in cultural exchanges and the global conversation around beauty and empowerment.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s reforms have paved the way for this moment, challenging traditional norms and introducing a wave of modernity that has swept across Saudi society. From driving to attending concerts and sporting events, Saudi women are experiencing freedoms previously unfathomable. The bid for the FIFA World Cup and hosting international music icons further showcases the Kingdom’s desire to be a global player in not just politics and economics but in culture and sports too.

Looking Forward: The Road to Miss Universe and Beyond

As Saudi Arabia gears up for its debut at Miss Universe 2024, the world watches with bated breath. It’s a step forward, not just for Alqahtani but for the entire Kingdom, as it navigates its path towards modernization and greater societal openness. The participation of Saudi Arabia in Miss Universe is a beacon of progress, illuminating possibilities for the future of Saudi women and the nation’s place on the world stage.

The journey to Miss Universe 2024 is more than just a quest for a crown; it’s a narrative of transformation, echoing the broader changes sweeping through Saudi Arabia. As Rumy Alqahtani prepares to showcase her country’s beauty and heritage, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of a nation eager to make its mark. This moment in the spotlight is not just a personal triumph but a national milestone, marking Saudi Arabia’s bold stride into a new era of visibility, inclusion, and cultural exchange.

If you are looking for PR support in Dubai, Saudi Arabia or across the GCC region, please reach out here: Contact Joshua Mathias

Barakah nuclear plant just hit a major milestone. The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has its final reactor pumping out power. That’s right, Unit 4 is now live and kicking, adding a whopping 1,400 megawatts of clean electricity to the grid. This move is huge for the UAE. It’s all about hitting that Net Zero by 2050 target. And with this plant, that goal is looking a lot brighter.

What’s really cool is how this plant is becoming the heart of the UAE’s clean energy plans. Each unit at Barakah means more clean, reliable power for everyone. It’s not just about keeping the lights on. It’s about doing it in a way that’s good for the planet. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want that?

A Connection That Counts

When we talk about the Barakah nuclear plant, we’re talking about a game-changer for energy in the UAE. This final unit’s connection to the grid wasn’t a solo mission. It was a team effort with TRANSCO, who made sure everything was hooked up right. Now, every bit of power this plant produces gets zapped right where it needs to go. It’s all about making sure the UAE’s energy is stable, secure, and, most importantly, clean.

This step cements Barakah’s role in the UAE’s big energy plans. It’s not just another power plant. It’s the backbone of the country’s move to slash carbon emissions. And with all four units up and running, we’re talking about a serious boost to the nation’s green creds. This is the kind of progress that gets noticed on a global scale.

Full Speed Ahead to Net Zero

Mohamed Al Hammadi, the big boss over at ENEC, is pretty pumped about this. And why wouldn’t he be? The Barakah nuclear plant is setting the bar high for clean energy. With all units going full tilt, the plant’s going to crank out 40 TWh of electricity every year. That’s a lot of power without the carbon footprint. It’s a win-win for businesses and the planet.

This final unit getting connected isn’t the end of the story. It’s more like the beginning. Now, it’s all about testing, tweaking, and making sure everything’s running smoothly. And with each unit, they’ve gotten faster and smarter about getting things online. It’s the kind of efficiency that comes from learning by doing. And it’s paying off big time for the UAE.

The Future’s Looking Bright

The Barakah nuclear plant isn’t just about today. It’s about tomorrow, too. ENEC’s already thinking about what’s next. From big reactors to smaller, modular ones, they’re exploring all kinds of ways to keep the clean energy flowing. It’s about making sure the UAE stays ahead of the curve on climate action and clean power.

This isn’t just about keeping the lights on. It’s about lighting the way forward for the whole world. The Barakah plant is proof that with the right investment and innovation, clean energy can be a major player in our energy mix. And for the UAE, it’s a clear signal that the future is bright—and green.