Miss Universe Maldives, Mariyam Shaina Naseem, proudly showcased the Maldives’ cultural heritage at the Miss Universe National Costume Show, donning the traditional Dhivehi Libaas. Held in Mexico as part of the pageant’s preliminary events, the national costume segment celebrated the unique attire of participating nations.
Shaina’s outfit featured the iconic Dhivehi Libaas adorned with a handwoven gold neckline called boavalhu and traditional accessories like the fattaru baiy necklace and feyli skirt. Her elegant display highlighted the timeless beauty of Maldivian craftsmanship and cultural identity.
The Miss Universe pageant, which features contestants from 130 countries, will next announce the top 25 semi-finalists, including regional representatives from different continents. Viewer votes will help decide the semi-finalists, with the final rounds and grand finale scheduled for this weekend.
Shaina’s journey to Miss Universe was made possible by He n She Maldives, an event management company that introduced international pageant platforms to the Maldives. A previous winner of Top Model Maldives 2022, Shaina also earned international recognition by reaching the top 15 in the World Top Model event, securing the “New Face” award.
While her participation in Miss Universe has drawn criticism from the Maldivian government, Shaina’s representation continues to garner admiration for shining a spotlight on Maldivian culture on the global stage.
