What it takes to win Miss Universe, the crown UAE-raised Kaziah Liz Mejo wants
Dubai: In two months, a 19-year-old law student who went to school in Abu Dhabi will walk onto one of the biggest stages in pageantry, carrying India's hopes for a fourth Miss Universe crown. Kaziah Liz Mejo won Miss Universe India 2026 in Jaipur on 23 August. She now heads to the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico in November. So what does winning actually involve, how are contestants…
In two months, Kaziah Liz Mejo, a 19-year-old law student from Abu Dhabi, will represent India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico. She won the Miss Universe India 2026 title on August 23 and will compete against 51 other women in the national final. Kaziah has never competed in Miss Universe directly; instead, she won national competitions in India and Kerala before advancing to the international stage.
The judges score contestants based on four criteria: interview, national costume, evening gown, and swimsuit presentation. The final will take place on November 24 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where Mexican Miss Universe Fátima Bosch will crown Kaziah as the new Miss Universe. Winning the title is a year-long commitment, with the winner as the organization's chief ambassador, appearing at various events and receiving a substantial prize package.
For Kaziah, growing up in the UAE has given her a unique perspective, as she has been exposed to diverse cultures and backgrounds while still maintaining her Indian roots.
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