[Netherrealmer]

Yup the impossible happen because the Crowned Prince wants to modernize Saudi..First hijab is now voluntary and optional next women are allowed to drive. Now Saudi will be joining Miss Universe. Miss Saudi will wear either sportswear or Abaya instead swimsuit like Miss Pakistan Last year.



If this is 10 years ago she will be getting death threats

[Fergal]

It is good to see that Saudi is moving towards equality. It is also a bit ironic that joining Miss Universe is a step towards that equality.

[sweerie_banana]

These developments signal a new era of openness and progress in Saudi Arabia, and it will be interesting to see how the country continues to evolve and redefine its role in the world. By embracing change and embracing diversity, Saudi Arabia has the potential to become a more inclusive and dynamic society for all its citizens

[Tinni]

Finally, Saudi Arabia has started to be less conserved and more liberal. That would give opportunities to it's citizens

[MOSIUR]

Saudi Arabia has permitted women to come out and participate in all activities like men. Some are also opposing against it.

[Netherrealmer]

Finally, Saudi Arabia has started to be less conserved and more liberal. That would give opportunities to it's citizens

Meanwhile Iran have liberal people but they are ruled over by a religious minority. They hate their government. Its now the least religious place in middle east even less religious than Israel yet its still controlled by a conservative government.

[mrki444]

First hijab is now voluntary

Is this voluntery and women can decide or husband or father decide about it?

[ptrikha21]

This is a significant step by Saudi Arabia towards a Modern Version of Islam that is tolerant and forward looking.
Perhaps, this is something that the Islamic radicals especially in South Asia who are moving towards a more intolerant world view should learn from.
Will that actually happen is a big question though.

[Netherrealmer]

Saudi is now planning to have their own movie industry, They want to be like Jordan that has its own movie industry. They want to be the Hollywood of Middleeast

[cmoneyspinner]

As for the Miss Universe, I stopped watching all of those pageants a long time ago. I also don't watch shows like Grammy, Oscar, Emmy, etc. They bore me.

Nevertheless, it's good when any country wants to move forward and the decisions of those with authority better the living standard for all of its citizens. I mean can be a poor girl with no money or connections participate?

By the way, I'm confused.
Miss Universe organization disputes reports of Saudi Arabia’s participation in 2024 pageant | CNN
https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/11/style/mi ... index.html

Are they going to partipate or not?

[Netherrealmer]

They are and they are sending a married woman... since they allow married woman now.

[cmoneyspinner]

They are and they are sending a married woman... since they allow married woman now.

A married woman? But it's called "Miss Universe". Are they just going to rewrite the rules OR will a specific country be allowed an EXCEPTION? If so, that's not fair. If I was interested I'd tweet a protest. But ... eh! whatever!

Just saying. We have pageants for married women or mothers.

Top 10 Best Pageants for Moms to Compete in - Pageant Planet
https://www.pageantplanet.com/article/t ... compete-in

[Netherrealmer]

Miss Universe also allows Grandmas and Moms now too.

[mrki444]

When we will see combination A.I and real human competition?