Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud made a major decision on March 26 when he announced that Saudi Arabia would compete in the Miss Universe pageant for the first time, hoping to dispel the notion that his nation is conservative.
The 27-year-old model and influencer Rumy Alqahtani made the announcement on Instagram that she would be the nation’s first-ever competitor in the global competition.
Alqahtani hails from the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh and is known for participating in global beauty pageants.
Under the leadership of the crown price, the country has been witnessing a steady change in its image and loosening of tight restrictions. The country, which is the largest in the Arabian Peninsula, has traditionally maintained a strict religious and social control.
However, in the last few years, the country that is known for its conservatism, has been allowing women to drive, attend mixed-gender events and apply for passports without the male guardian.
The country also aims to have over 150 million tourists by 2030 as part of the vision for the economy that includes diversifying away from oil and related business. It has also planned a mega entertainment city Qiddiya on which it has already splashed millions of dollars under its Vision 2030 plan.
It has been organising music concerts and has officially bid for the 2034 Men’s FIFA World Cup, apart from buying some of the world’s biggest football teams. It has also invested heavily in drawing football mega starts to its home soil, in efforts to boost its image as a global destination.
It will now be accessible in the Diplomatic Quarter, where the majority of foreign officials reside, which is located southwest of Riyadh. Diplomats will be subject to restrictions and required to obtain clearance.
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