An Emirati student of fashion, Mariam Mohamed, has been crowned Miss Universe UAE 2025, making history as the first Emirati to represent the country on the global Miss Universe stage in Thailand next month. The 26-year-old, who dreams of being a “voice for women,” was chosen after a rigorous selection process among hundreds of applicants.
Mariam, who holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Sydney and is currently pursuing fashion design at ESMOD Dubai, blends academia, art, and advocacy. Her mission includes fighting poverty, empowering women, and fostering communities built on love and peace.
Beyond academics, she has designed sustainable fashion, taken part in charitable programs like Ramadan Aman and The Giving Family Initiative, and represented the UAE in global entrepreneurship initiatives for women.
Her passions showcase both heritage and innovation, from traditional practices like falconry and camel riding to championing sustainable fashion and cross-cultural exchange. As she steps onto the Miss Universe stage, Mariam hopes to inspire the next generation of Emirati women, representing the UAE’s values of empowerment, sustainability, and innovation.
Poppy Capella, the national director of Miss Universe UAE, praised Mariam’s victory, describing her as a candidate who embodied eloquence, vision, and the values of Emirati heritage alongside global perspective.
Capella highlighted Mariam’s academic excellence, women’s empowerment advocacy, and deep pride in her culture as reasons for her selection.
The competition drew a strong response, with more than 950 applicants across the UAE. Capella emphasized that the process was transparent, fair, and allowed every finalist to showcase their talent and intelligence.
She added that Mariam symbolizes the UAE’s commitment to raising women as leaders and cultural ambassadors who respect their heritage while shaping a progressive future on the global stage.
