In an exciting milestone for the Maldives, 21-year-old model Mariam Shaina Naseem will represent the island nation in the Miss Universe pageant for the very first time. This historic debut brings a fresh wave of excitement to the Maldives’ modeling and pageant scene, showcasing the country’s rising presence in international beauty competitions. Shaina will join 130 contestants from around the globe, each vying for the coveted title, in this year’s Miss Universe pageant set to be held in Mexico.
The competition begins on November 14, with the final show scheduled for November 16. Shaina’s journey to Mexico has been a collaborative effort, with the Mexican Embassy in India facilitating her visa to participate. Diego Perez, Mexico’s Ambassador to India, met with Shaina to offer his best wishes for her success on the global stage.
A seasoned competitor, Shaina previously made waves as the winner of the 2022 Top Model Maldives competition. She went on to represent the Maldives in the prestigious Top Model of the World 2023 pageant in Egypt, earning her a well-regarded position and experience in international pageantry. Her success has fueled her journey to Miss Universe, a dream stage for models worldwide.
The 73rd Miss Universe pageant, known for its global acclaim and dedicated fanbase, will also see newcomers from countries such as Somalia, Belarus, Iran, Uzbekistan, and the United Arab Emirates. This year’s competition has attracted more global participation than ever, with the Maldives’ first-time entry adding further interest to the event.
Shaina’s journey is significant not only for her personal achievements but also for the Maldives, as she paves the way for future pageant contestants. Her participation symbolizes a powerful moment of cultural representation, celebrating the Maldives on an international stage and inspiring young Maldivians who dream of pursuing modeling and pageantry. With her beauty, grace, and experience, Shaina Naseem holds the hopes of the Maldives, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s presence in global pageantry.
