Nadeen Ayoub, the first Palestinian to compete in Miss Universe, made history at the pageant’s national costume segment on Wednesday by wearing a stunning ivory gown that honored her homeland and heritage.
The dress featured a hand-painted cape paying tribute to both Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, symbolizing unity and coexistence between Muslims and Christians in Palestine. The gown was designed by Palestinian couturier Neveen El Kady, based in Dubai.
The ivory color represented purity, while green and gold embroidery across the neckline, hem, and shoulder straps represented Palestinian villages. The embroidery used traditional tatreez, a cross-stitch style native to Palestinian culture that has become an important cultural symbol.
Ayoub shared on Instagram that stepping onto the Miss Universe stage in this gown was “one of the most meaningful moments of my life.” She explained that “every stitch came from the art of tatreez, the stories, hands, and resilience of Palestinian women”.
Her complete outfit included a shatweh-inspired crown, based on traditional Palestinian bridal headwear, olive tree motifs symbolizing peace, and a small key representing the hope of Palestinian refugees to return home.
The 27-year-old contestant described her participation as representing more than just herself, stating she carries “the voice of a people who refuse to be silenced.”
