It was the first time ever that the United Arab Emirates was represented on the global Miss Universe stage by 27-year-old model Emilia Dobreva. She was crowned Miss Universe UAE in a private ceremony in October and recently bagged the opportunity to spread her wings even higher. Though Emilia has roots in Kosovo, she grew up in Dubai and is married to an Emirati man.
A proud mother of three, it is suggested the model began her professional career merely at 12. She has since walked multiple runways including the New York Fashion Week. At the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, held in Mexico City on November 16, Emilia couldn’t register victory but it hasn’t got her morale down.
Instead, she feels ‘grateful’ for the love and support thrown her way. A post shared by Sash Factor (@sashfactor.international) In a lengthy Instagram note, Emilia reflected on her experience writing, “What a journey it has been! Representing the UAE on the ultimate stage of the universe has been an honor beyond words.
It’s hard to believe how far this dream has taken me—do you remember the little girl with a crown back in 2003? Or in 2016? And now, here we are, in the heart of Mexico City.” A post shared by EMILIA DOBREVA 🇦🇪🇽🇰 (@miss_dobreva_official) She continued, “Unfortunately, we didn’t win this time. Things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay.
This journey has been an unforgettable experience and a dream come true. I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learn.