Roma Riaz crowned Miss Universe Pakistan 2025
UAE to be represented by Emirati fashion student Mariam Mohamed at beauty pageant
DUBAI – Roma Riaz, a 25-year-old Lahore-born model and advocate, has been crowned Miss Universe Pakistan 2025, becoming the third woman to hold the national title.
She will represent the South Asian country at the 74th Miss Universe competition to be held in Thailand this November.
Her victory came after a spirited contest at Brennia Kottefaru in Raa Atoll, Maldives, where nine finalists competed for the crown. The recorded coronation aired online on October 3 and 4, confirming Roma’s rise as Pakistan’s new global ambassador of beauty and resilience.
Who is Roma Riaz?
Born in Lahore, Roma grew up across Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. She attended Aquinas College in Stockport and later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business, management, marketing, and related services from Manchester Metropolitan University. After completing her education, she joined fashion retailer Boohoo in Manchester, where she worked as a merchandising administrative assistant before being promoted to assistant merchandiser.
Despite her corporate background, Roma’s entry into pageantry was spontaneous. Encouraged by her sister while waiting for a flight, she decided to apply for Miss Universe Pakistan – never expecting to be selected. That leap of faith changed the course of her life, launching her from a behind-the-scenes fashion professional to the face of a nation on one of the world’s biggest stages.
Roma has spoken candidly about the challenges she faced growing up as a dark-skinned Pakistani Christian. Her identity was often questioned, and she recalls hearing dismissive remarks such as, “You’re too dark to be Pakistani,” or “You’re Christian, so you’re not really Pakistani.” For Roma, competing in Miss Universe Pakistan was more than a beauty pursuit – it was a statement of self-acceptance and national pride.
“This crown isn’t just mine,” she shared on social media after her win. “It belongs to every girl who dares to dream beyond limits. I’m proud to represent the beauty, strength, and heart of Pakistan on the Miss Universe stage.”
Her mission extends far beyond the runway. Roma is a passionate advocate for education, particularly for women in rural Pakistan. Citing that nearly 40 percent of Pakistanis cannot read or write, she emphasises the urgency of improving literacy rates and dismantling stereotypes that link education to a loss of cultural or religious values. “Education is empowerment,” she says firmly. “I want our girls to be more educated, more respected. Beyond the crown, that is my goal.”
Roma’s global upbringing allows her to bridge cultures and challenge rigid beauty standards. “There are so many different kinds of beauties in Pakistan,” she says. “Beauty is not a single mould we must fit into. I want to represent that diversity to the world.”
Beyond the glamour
Behind the shimmering gowns and stage lights, Roma’s path has been filled with hard work and fatigue. Balancing a nine-to-five job with pageant training was no small feat. She has spoken openly about moments of exhaustion and doubt, recalling nights when she questioned whether she could continue. Yet her family’s constant support kept her grounded and motivated.
Roma also shed light on the unseen side of pageantry – the long hours of interviews, training, and studying. “People often see the glamorous pictures online but not the endless preparation behind them,” she said. She also urged kindness towards contestants who face constant public scrutiny. “We’re just humans. People forget that and say whatever they like.”
Amid the competition, Roma found friendship and laughter. During filming in the Maldives, she once called out for a “bubble”—her word for a hair tie—leaving her American counterpart baffled. The moment turned into laughter that bonded the contestants. “All the girls were incredibly supportive,” she recalled. “We shared clothes, hair tools, advice—everything.”
Her spiritual faith remains her anchor. “Before any interview or photoshoot, I pray,” she said. “That’s non-negotiable for me. I wouldn’t be anywhere without God.”
The road to Miss Universe 2025
Roma Riaz will represent Pakistan among more than 130 contestants at the 74th Miss Universe competition, set to take place on 21 November 2025 at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand. The month-long event will include registration, national costume showcases, cultural performances, preliminary rounds, and the final coronation night.
Her runner-ups in the national competition include Jessica Zain Wilson and Azqa Sohail, who will continue to promote Miss Universe Pakistan initiatives leading up to the international pageant. Roma’s participation marks a continuation of Pakistan’s growing representation on the Miss Universe stage, following Erica Robin’s historic debut for the country in 2023.
A historic first for UAE
Meanwhile, the UAE’s Mariam Mohamed has made history as the first Emirati woman to represent her nation at Miss Universe. Selected from over 950 applicants, the Dubai-based fashion student has captured attention with her blend of heritage and innovation.
Mariam holds a degree in economics from the University of Sydney and is now studying fashion design at ESMOD Dubai. Her advocacy focuses on women’s empowerment, poverty eradication, and sustainable fashion. She has worked on community initiatives including Ramadan Aman and The Giving Family Initiative, promoting compassion and social responsibility.
“The UAE has given me the confidence to dream big,” she said after her win. “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.”
National Director Poppy Capella described her as an embodiment of Emirati values, balancing cultural pride with a global outlook.