A global night of beauty
As a shimmering constellation of international beauty, grace, and purpose converged upon Hyderabad’s HITEX Exhibition Centre, Thailand’s Suchata Chuangsri was crowned Miss World 2025 in a spectacle that fused couture with cultural diplomacy. For global audiences, especially across the UAE where pageantry is both admired and aspirational, the evening wasn’t just a celebration of beauty—it was a defining moment in the world’s cultural calendar.
UAE streaming interest surges
Broadcast live and in high definition, the finale took place on May 31 at 6:30 PM IST, and millions from Abu Dhabi to Dubai were glued to their screens via official streams on SonyLIV and watchmissworld.com, ensuring that the Gulf was not left out of this grand narrative.
A show of culture and power
Hosted with polished charm by Stephanie Del Valle and Sachiin Kumbhar, the event unfolded with theatrical flair—featuring a cultural prelude of all 108 contestants and electrifying performances by Bollywood celebrities Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter. The reigning Miss World 2024, Krystyna Pyszková from the Czech Republic, passed on the iconic crown to Suchata Chuangsri in an emotional finale that signaled the rise of Thailand’s soft power on the global stage.
The rise of Opal
Known affectionately as Opal in Thailand, Suchata’s ascent to the Miss World throne is not merely a personal triumph but a diplomatic victory. The 24-year-old, who had earlier held the Miss Universe Thailand 2024 title and was a top finalist at Miss Universe, dazzled the jury with a rare fusion of intellect, confidence, and fashion-forward elegance. Standing tall at 1.80 meters with a magnetic presence, Opal’s win represents the redefinition of global beauty standards, embracing not just aesthetics but advocacy.
India’s Nandini wins hearts
India’s Nandini Gupta, a favorite in her home country, also left a strong impression. A former Femina Miss India World and a proud daughter of Kota, Rajasthan, Nandini earned a place in the Top 20 and clinched the prestigious Top Model title in the Asia & Oceania region—an accolade that speaks volumes about her influence in the fashion industry. Her poised presence on the global stage was closely followed across Indian diasporas in Sharjah and Dubai, where her journey was celebrated with pride.
Regional winners shine
UAE pageant enthusiasts noted how the competition maintained regional balance while also recognizing continental excellence. The Continental Queens of Beauty title recipients included Hasset Dereje Admassu of Ethiopia for Africa, Aurélie Joachim of Martinique for the Americas & Caribbean, Maja Klajda of Poland for Europe, and the ultimate winner Suchata Chuangsri for Asia & Oceania.
Purpose-led contestants grab attention
Notably, Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara made headlines for her “Beauty With a Purpose” project—an initiative tackling period poverty among underprivileged girls. Her cause drew applause not just from South Asia, but also from Gulf-based human rights watchers and feminist circles across the Emirates, underscoring how Miss World now serves as a global platform for activism and social dialogue.
Controversy from the UK
The pageant wasn’t devoid of controversies. England’s originally announced contestant, Milla Magee, withdrew from the event, reportedly raising concerns about the organization’s structure and alleged favoritism. Her replacement, Charlotte Grant, who has a history of overcoming eating disorders, stood as a symbol of resilience and mental health awareness. These contrasting narratives added emotional texture to an already high-stakes competition.
Why it matters to the UAE
For the UAE’s beauty aficionados, salon professionals, and fashion houses eyeing global trends, Miss World 2025 was a masterclass in branding, storytelling, and public diplomacy. The event was not just watched—it was analyzed, dissected, and celebrated by the Emirates’ fashion elite, with speculation already beginning over potential UAE representation in future editions. Dubai-based couturiers are now reportedly in talks with several national directors to sponsor regional contestants for Miss World 2026.
What comes next
With the crown now in Thailand’s hands and Suchata Chuangsri taking on her global duties as ambassador of goodwill, Miss World 2025 will be remembered not only for its glittering gowns and choreographed splendor but for redefining the very architecture of global beauty and diplomacy. As the curtains close on Hyderabad’s iconic pageant, eyes turn toward 2026 with a renewed question: Will the Gulf—especially the UAE—take center stage next?
