Meet Emilia Dobreva, the Expat Representing the UAE at Miss Universe 2024

For the first time ever, the UAE will be joining the Miss Universe pageant, represented by an expat mum and model

Posted on

13 November 2024

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This is not a drill! The emirates just got its first Miss Universe contestant.

The 2024 edition of the Miss Universe competition will be seeing plenty of countries participating for the first time, including Saudi Arabia's Rumy Alqahtani, as well as Uzbekistan, Iran, and Somalia.

Joining the global stage for the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, newcomer UAE will be represented by expatriate mum, model, and experienced beauty pageant queen Emilia Dobreva.

If this is the first time you've heard of her, here's a quick rundown about this inspiring woman!

Who is Emilia Dobreva?

A Kosovar entrepreneur, fashion model, and mother of three born in the UAE, Emilia Dobreva was raised in London, UK, and is a long-time Dubai resident who is fluent in Arabic and is also married to an Emirati man.

She was recently crowned as Miss UAE 2024 in a closed-door competition and will represent the emirates in its first-ever run at the global Miss Universe pageant, set to be held in Mexico this November.

How old is Emilia Dobreva?
Emilia turned 27 years old on May 18th, 2024.

Previously, the Miss Universe competition rules only allowed unmarried ladies aged 18 to 28 to participate. As of last year, the restrictions have been lifted to welcome married women as well in a bid towards female empowerment.

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What does Emilia Dobreva do for a living?

Outside of making history as the first woman to represent the UAE on the global stage at Miss Universe, Emilia is a fashion model who began her career at the age of 12 years old. As a trained ballet dancer, she opened her own ballet school where she also teaches her kids.

She has walked runways in Dubai and around the world including New York Fashion Week, has appeared on magazines, and would often be spotted at several red carpet events.

In a statement from the Miss Universe UAE pageant organisers, Emilia's "elegance, intelligence, and passion for empowering others have shone brightly, making her a true beacon of hope and inspiration."

Emilia Dobreva at the Festive de Cannes red carpet

Why wasn't an Emirati woman picked for Miss Universe UAE 2024?

The Miss Universe UAE 2024 competition was held to find the right woman who upheld the values of the UAE to represent the emirates. The pageant received over 1,000 applicants which included 20 Emirati ladies.

After several rounds of interviews and competitions, Emilia Dobreva was crowned the winner.

Some may ask, "Why is Miss Universe UAE 2024 not an Emirati woman?"

"To answer why Emilia was chosen as Miss Universe UAE, despite not being an Emirati, it’s essential to understand the spirit of tolerance and inclusivity that defines the UAE," said Poppy Capella, National Director of Miss Universe UAE.

"The competition is open to any woman over the age of 18, allowing even an 80-year-old to step forward if she believes she can make a positive impact not just within the UAE, but on a global stage," she added.

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Capella continued: "Expatriates have played a significant role in the UAE’s development across diverse fields. Miss Universe UAE stands as a testament to this inclusivity, promoting women's empowerment and equal opportunities regardless of nationality, age or background."

What will Emilia Dobreva wear at Miss Universe 2024?

In the national costume round, it was revealed that Emilia will wear a special, custom-made abaya by Dubai-based Lebanese designer Fadi Abi Nader. The outfit will incorporate real sand from the emirates' deserts as an homage to the UAE.

Fashion house Atelier Zuhra, founded in Dubai by Omani designer Mousa, are the creatives behind Emilia's outfit for the evening dress category.

For the swimsuit section, she will wear a fully-covered burkini to showcase the country's modest values.