An Emirati woman who aspires to be a “voice for women” has been crowned Miss Universe UAE 2025. Mariam Mohamed, 26, was selected from more than 950 applicants following a rigorous and transparent selection process.
The announcement marks a historic moment, as she will become the first Emirati contestant to step onto the global Miss Universe stage when the competition takes place next month in Thailand.
“The UAE has given me the confidence to dream big,” Mariam 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.”
Poppy Capella, the national director of Miss Universe UAE, praised Mariam’s selection. “She distinguished herself not only with her eloquence and vision but also with her ability to represent the values of the UAE heritage, empowerment, and global perspective,” she said.
“Her unique combination of academic excellence, advocacy for women and poverty eradication, and her deep pride in Emirati culture made her the ideal candidate to carry our nation’s flag on the global Miss Universe stage.”
Mariam’s journey reflects both academic and creative pursuits. Holding a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Sydney, she is currently pursuing fashion design at ESMOD Dubai.
She has created sustainable fashion pieces, taken part in charitable initiatives such as Ramadan Aman and The Giving Family Initiative, and represented the UAE in global entrepreneurship programs aimed at empowering women.
Her mission goes beyond the stage. Mariam has voiced her commitment to fighting poverty, empowering women, and fostering communities of love and peace. Her passions also bridge the traditional and the modern—she embraces UAE heritage through falconry and camel riding, while simultaneously promoting innovation in sustainable fashion and international cultural exchange.
As the UAE’s first-ever delegate at Miss Universe, Mariam aims to inspire a new generation of Emirati women. She wants to highlight the nation’s story of empowerment, sustainability, and innovation before a global audience.
“It is not just about representing beauty, but also about representing the strength and values of Emirati women on an international platform,” she emphasized.
The Miss Universe UAE 2025 competition, according to Poppy Capella, saw an overwhelming response from young women across the country. “The Miss Universe UAE journey was guided by a fair, transparent, and rigorous process that gave every finalist the opportunity to shine,” she said.
“Each of the participants brought extraordinary talent, intelligence, and heart to the stage, and they are all winners in their own right.”
Mariam Mohamed’s victory signals a defining moment in the UAE’s growing presence on the global cultural stage. With her vision, heritage, and determination, she is poised to shine at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand—bringing with her the story of Emirati women as leaders, changemakers, and ambassadors of progress.