Mariam Mohamed crowned Miss Universe UAE 2025, first Emirati to compete globally
Competition received over 950 applicants across the Emirates
DUBAI – An Emirati who dreams of being a “voice for women” has made history after being crowned Miss Universe UAE 2025.
Mariam Mohamed, a 26-year-old student of fashion design, will be the first Emirati woman to take to the global Miss Universe stage when the 74th edition of the competition is held in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 21.
Selected from more than 950 applicants, Mariam impressed judges with her eloquence, cultural pride, and vision for empowerment. As she prepares to represent her country internationally, she hopes to inspire a new generation of Emirati women to dream big and embrace their unique identity.
Who is Mariam Mohamed?
Mariam combines tradition with modernity in striking ways. Born and raised in the UAE, she holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Sydney and is currently studying fashion design at ESMOD Dubai. Her passions range from falconry and camel riding, deeply rooted in Emirati heritage, to sustainable fashion and international cultural exchange.
She has already made her mark through initiatives that address social causes. Mariam has worked with charitable projects including Ramadan Aman and The Giving Family Initiative, while also designing sustainable clothing and taking part in international women’s entrepreneurship programmes. Her stated mission is to fight poverty, empower women, and nurture communities based on love and peace.
“The UAE has given me the confidence to dream big,” Mariam was quoted by KhaleejTimes as saying. “I want to be a voice for women who are ambitious, curious, and driven. Miss Universe UAE is not just about beauty, it is about impact.”
How was she selected?
The Miss Universe UAE 2025 competition drew extraordinary talent from across the Emirates, with hundreds of young women participating. According to national director Poppy Capella, the journey was guided by a transparent and rigorous process designed to highlight individuality and talent.
“Mariam distinguished herself not only with her eloquence and vision but also with her ability to represent the values of the UAE heritage, empowerment, and global perspective,” Poppy said. “Her unique combination of academic excellence, advocacy for women and poverty eradication, and her deep pride in Emirati culture made her the ideal candidate to carry our nation’s flag on the global Miss Universe stage.”
She further highlighted that while Mariam secured the crown, each of the 950-plus applicants had demonstrated extraordinary intelligence, creativity, and passion. “The UAE is a nation where women rise as leaders, changemakers, and cultural ambassadors, honouring their roots while shaping a brighter global future,” she said.
Miss Universe 2025
The Miss Universe Organisation has revealed details of the 74th coronation, which will bring together contestants from more than 100 countries. The main coronation night will take place in Bangkok on November 21 at 9 am Manila time. Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig, the reigning Miss Universe, will crown her successor.
The week leading up to the final will feature several competitions. The National Costume segment will take place on November 19 at 1 pm, showcasing creativity and cultural pride from across the globe, followed the same evening by the Preliminary Competition at 8 pm. The Swimsuit Runway show will air earlier on November 15 at 8 pm across Metro Channel, ANC, and iWant, with a replay on November 16 on Kapamilya Channel.
While some countries have yet to finalise their contestants, all representatives are expected to be confirmed by October 25. Mariam Mohamed will join these women on the international stage, marking the UAE’s debut in the prestigious global pageant.