Miss Universe Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub, created a powerful moment on the global Miss Universe stage in Thailand as she stepped out wearing a dress that beautifully celebrated her cultural heritage. Her outfit immediately captured attention, not only for its elegance but also for the deep symbolism woven into every detail.
Ayoub wore an ivory gown designed by Palestinian designer Naveen Elkady. The dress featured traditional tatreez embroidery, representing historic Palestinian villages, olive trees, and cultural resilience. This embroidery style has been passed down through generations and is recognized worldwide as a symbol of identity and tradition.
The highlight of her ensemble was a hand-painted cape depicting two of the most important landmarks in the region: the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
By showcasing both, Ayoub emphasized unity and harmony between Muslim and Christian communities. The cape also featured olive branches and a symbolic key, widely associated with hope, memory, and the stories of families who were displaced decades ago.
To complete the look, Ayoub wore a crown-inspired shatweh headpiece, traditionally worn by women in Bethlehem, along with star-shaped earrings that further reflected Palestinian craftsmanship. Together, these elements turned her costume into a tribute to history, faith, and perseverance.
Ayoub described her outfit as “my heritage, my voice, my heart,” expressing how meaningful it was to represent her people on such a grand platform.
Her appearance quickly went viral, with many praising her for honoring her roots through fashion and storytelling on the international stage.
