Miss Universe UAE 2025: A Crown Under Question

Transparency, Legitimacy, and Franchise Integrity Under Review

Dubai – October 2025

A wave of confusion and public debate continues to surround the Miss Universe UAE 2025 competition following the sudden cancellation of its national coronation ceremony and the unexpected appointment of a titleholder (M.M.) without a live competition.

What was meant to be a dazzling showcase of Emirati empowerment and cultural pride has instead become the subject of public scrutiny over transparency, leadership, and procedural integrity within one of the nation’s most high-profile pageants.

A Cancelled Coronation and Disappointed Contestants

The national finale, scheduled for September 28, 2025, was abruptly cancelled only hours before the event.

Sources close to the organization cited administrative delays and pending event permits as the reason behind the cancellation. Contestants — many of whom had invested significant time, effort, and expense in their preparation , were notified at the last minute that the coronation would not take place.

“Everything was ready the rehearsals, gowns, and stage and then we were told it was off,” said one participant.

The abrupt change left both contestants and followers questioning how such a high-profile national event could be halted so suddenly.

The Bali “Training” That Replaced a Competition

Weeks before the cancelled finale, contestants were invited to Bali, Indonesia, by the organizing team led by P.C. and coordinated by E.D., for what was initially described as part of the Miss Universe UAE 2025 competition.

Upon arrival, however, the program was reframed as a training and development workshop after it became clear that no formal authorization had been granted to conduct a Miss Universe UAE competition outside the UAE.

The Bali program included etiquette coaching, photoshoots, and confidence-building activities. While some contestants described the experience as educational, others expressed confusion about its changing purpose and status.

“We were told it was going to be the actual competition, and later it became just training,” said one contestant.

Observers believe this situation underscores the importance of clearer communication and official approvals to ensure future activities align fully with UAE event regulations.

A Surprise Appointment That Sparked Debate

Following the postponed finale, M.M. was appointed as Miss Universe UAE 2025, reportedly to meet the international submission deadline for the Miss Universe Organization.

The absence of a public competition prompted widespread discussion among contestants, fans, and industry observers, who questioned whether the appointment process met the transparency standards traditionally associated with Miss Universe.

“Representing the UAE internationally requires more than beauty , it requires professionalism, preparation, and cultural depth,” said a Dubai-based consultant. “People simply want assurance that those qualities were properly evaluated.”

Leadership and Franchise Management Under Scrutiny

The UAE franchise is currently managed by P.C., an Indonesian national with prior experience in regional pageants, alongside E.D., a Russian-born coordinator from Kosovo who previously held the Miss Universe UAE 2024 title.

Public discussion has resurfaced online about how the 2024 selection was conducted, with several commentators questioning whether the process met the organization’s standards of transparency and fairness.
While these online allegations have not been independently verified, they have contributed to growing calls for the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) to reassess the UAE franchise’s operational structure, registration status, and internal procedures to ensure full alignment with its global ethical framework.

Industry experts also stress the need for stronger on-ground leadership and communication within the Emirates, emphasizing that such improvements would enhance both credibility and contestant trust.

Public Reaction and Calls for Review

As the situation unfolded, contestants and fans began voicing concerns across social media, urging MUO to:

Conduct an internal review of the UAE franchise’s management practices;
Clarify the official structure and accountability of the local organizing team;
Reinstate a national competition and a new uae candidate
Strengthen cultural representation by ensuring qualified Emirati candidates participate.

“The UAE has always been a symbol of empowerment and excellence,” one cultural commentator remarked. “This is a valuable opportunity to rebuild Miss Universe UAE on stronger, more transparent foundations.”

Broader Impact and Lessons Ahead

Analysts believe that the current situation highlights a broader need for clear governance, local oversight, and transparent communication in pageantry operations.

They note that beauty pageants hosted in the UAE carry symbolic weight not only representing glamour, but also embodying the nation’s values of integrity, sophistication, and respect.

While this controversy has generated criticism, it is also viewed as a potential turning point that could inspire structural reform and higher standards across all levels of the franchise.

“Handled with honesty and accountability, Miss Universe UAE could emerge stronger than ever a platform truly reflective of the Emirates’ pride and values,” said a Dubai-based analyst.

Awaiting Official Response

As of publication, no official statement has been issued by M.M., P.C., E.D., or the Miss Universe Organization regarding the 2025 developments.
The lack of public clarification has allowed speculation to continue, though many within the industry remain optimistic that a formal review process will soon restore public confidence.

Observers agree that transparency and communication from leadership will be critical to regaining trust and aligning the pageant with the UAE’s high standards of professionalism and credibility.

A Call for Action

In light of the growing concerns, members of the UAE public, pageant community, and cultural commentators are now urging the President of the Miss Universe Organization,Mr. Raul Rocha, to review and cancel the current UAE franchise and to appoint a new, credible Emirati national director for 2025 and a point a new candidate for miss universe UAE through a transparent process.

They also call for the selection of a new Miss Universe UAE candidate who genuinely reflects the values, culture, and pride of the Emirates, ensuring that the country’s representation on the world stage aligns with Miss Universe’s global standards of fairness, empowerment, and integrity.