Miss Universe Palestine stuns in outfit featuring Al-Aqsa artwork
Nadeen said the outfit was her heritage and voice, sharing photos and expressing how deeply it reflected her identity on stage.
Mumbai: Nadeen Ayoub, the first Palestinian woman to ever compete in the Miss Universe pageant, captivated audiences across the world on Wednesday as she took the stage during the national costume segment. Wearing an elegant ivory gown, she paid a heartfelt tribute to her homeland through every detail of her outfit. But it was her flowing hand-painted cape that stole the global spotlight — a breathtaking depiction of both the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, symbolising unity, coexistence and the deeply interwoven heritage of Palestine.
The symbolic ensemble sparked widespread admiration online, with many praising the way Nadeen brought forward a message of peace and togetherness through art and culture. She later shared a series of photographs on Instagram, describing what the moment meant to her.
She went on to explain the symbolism woven into the outfit — ivory representing purity, golden-green embroidery inspired by Palestinian villages, and a crown styled after the traditional shatweh worn by women in rural communities. But the centrepiece remained the cape, hand-painted with two of Jerusalem’s most sacred landmarks, placed side-by-side to reflect coexistence as an essential part of Palestinian identity.
“Every stitch came from the art of tatreez, the stories, hands, and resilience of Palestinian women,” she added, highlighting how the traditional embroidery carried generations of memory and heritage. She also mentioned the olive tree — a symbol deeply rooted in Palestinian culture — stitched onto the costume to represent peace and belonging. A small key was included as well, symbolising home, roots and the longing carried by many Palestinian families.
“This wasn’t just a costume for me. It was my heritage, my voice, and my heart on the Miss Universe stage,” Nadeen concluded, summarising the emotional weight behind her presentation.
Her photos quickly went viral, drawing appreciation from people around the world. “The best traditional dress,” one user wrote, while another commented, “Absolutely stunning — the story of Palestine in your gown.” Many praised the inclusion of both religious landmarks, with.
Who is Nadeen Ayoub?
Nadeen Ayoub grew up between Palestine, the United States and Canada, giving her a multicultural upbringing while staying deeply connected to her roots. Reports say she currently divides her time between Dubai and Ramallah in the West Bank. At just 24, she has already made history. In 2022, she became the first Palestinian woman to compete at the Miss Earth pageant, where she impressed judges and audiences alike, finishing as a top-five finalist.
Through her work in modelling, pageantry and advocacy, Nadeen has often highlighted the importance of representation, cultural pride and using global platforms to tell stories that are rarely given space.
74th Miss Universe Finale
The 74th edition of Miss Universe will take place at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand, on November 21, 2025. The highly anticipated event will be livestreamed on the official Miss Universe YouTube channel, where millions are expected to tune in.
With her powerful message, artistic presentation and authentic storytelling, Nadeen Ayoub has already left a memorable mark on this year’s pageant — long before the final night.