In the dazzling world of beauty pageants, Evlin Abdullah-Khalifa, the newly crowned Miss Universe Bahrain, is set to captivate the global stage as one of the two contestants representing the Middle East at the prestigious Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans on January 14. A 24-year-old Bahraini-Russian model and accomplished pianist, Abdullah-Khalifa reflects on how winning the title has transformed her life in profound ways. Her journey took her to the Philippines, where she honed her skills with a top beauty pageant trainer and visited a mental hospital, gaining valuable insights and experiences.
Buoyed by the overwhelming support from her fellow Bahrainis and fans worldwide, Abdullah-Khalifa approaches the upcoming US contest with a newfound confidence. Her mission extends beyond the glitz and glamour; she aims to showcase the richness of Arab culture and the harmonious blend of modern values with age-old traditions that define modern Arab women. Born to a Bahraini father and Russian mother, she proudly advocates for education and sheds light on the struggles of anorexia, a cause close to her heart.
As the sole representative from the Gulf region, Abdullah-Khalifa acknowledges the weight of responsibility on her shoulders but envisions a future where more voices from Gulf Cooperation Council countries join the global stage. Despite the inevitable online criticism that often accompanies a Miss Universe title, she remains resilient, guided by the unwavering support of her family and team. Inspired by role models like Russian model Oxana Fedorova and Filipino beauty queen Pia Wurtzbach, Abdullah-Khalifa seeks to redefine beauty standards and challenge cultural barriers, reminiscent of the historic moment when the first Bahraini woman participated in Miss Universe wearing a burkini.
For Abdullah-Khalifa, this journey is not just a personal triumph but a testament to destiny and the collective pride of her family. As she prepares to grace the international stage, her story resonates as a beacon of inspiration, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse representation in the captivating world of beauty pageants. Evlin Abdullah-Khalifa is more than a beauty queen; she is an advocate, a trailblazer, and a symbol of cultural resilience, ready to make a lasting impact on the global stage.
