Who is Nadeen Ayoub? The Dubai-based Palestinian making history at Miss Universe 2025

When it comes to breaking new ground, Nadeen Ayoub is leading the way. The Dubai-based Palestinian has just been announced as the first-ever representative of Palestine at Miss Universe 2025, a milestone that merges her passion for pageantry with her commitment to giving a voice to her people.

“Today, I step onto the Miss Universe stage not just with a title — but with a truth,” she said in an Instagram video, wearing a white dress adorned with tatreez embroidery, the traditional Palestinian art form where each stitch tells a story of heritage, identity, and personal history.

Nadeen is no stranger to representing her country on the international stage. In 2022, she made history as the first Palestinian to compete in Miss Earth, finishing in the top five. Since then, she has balanced her life as a psychology student with advocacy work, raising awareness on the collapse of mental health services in Gaza and the struggles of children growing up amid conflict.

“At a time when the world's eyes are on our homeland, I carry this role with deep responsibility. It's more than a title. It's a platform to speak up for the people of Palestine, especially our women and children,” Nadeen said, emphasizing the larger purpose behind her pageant journey.

Through her initiative, Saidat Falasteen, she aims to highlight stories of resilience, creativity, and hope that rarely make headlines. “We are more than our struggle, we are women with dreams, talents, and a powerful voice to offer the world. This journey is for every single girl who dares to dream beyond the headlines,” she added.

Now, Nadeen will carry her country’s flag to Thailand for Miss Universe 2025 on November 21, turning her role into a global platform for visibility and empowerment. “I am proud to walk this path, not just as Miss Palestine, but as a voice for those who deserve to be seen and heard,” she said, underlining the profound responsibility she feels.

From her top-five finish at Miss Earth to becoming the first Palestinian Miss Universe contestant, Nadeen Ayoub’s story is about breaking barriers, celebrating culture, and amplifying voices that need to be heard.