The Miss Universe Organisation has denied recent reports of Saudi Arabian model Rumy Al Qahtani's participation in the 2024 event.
The organisation stated that a selection process was not conducted in the kingdom but is undergoing a “rigorous vetting process.”
“While Saudi Arabia is not yet among those countries fully confirmed participating this year, we are currently undergoing a rigorous vetting process qualifying a potential candidate to be awarded the franchise and assigned national director to represent,” the statement said.
“Saudi Arabia will not have this opportunity to join our prestigious pageant until this is final and confirmed by our approval committee,” it added.
The statement comes a week after the Saudi model announced her participation in the pageant on social media.