Rahaf Al-Harbi first Saudi woman to participate in international beauty pageant

Rahaf Al-Harbi became the first Saudi contestant at the Miss Europe Continental pageant in Napoli last year, an experience that brought her widespread recognition and prompted the fashion industry to take her more seriously, she told “The Mayman Show.” 

Al-Harbi said it was difficult to be accepted into the competition, as one of the prerequisites was prior experience in similar local and regional activities, which did not exist in Saudi Arabia at the time. Now, she has bigger ambitions.  

“I think I've reached the full potential in Saudi (Arabia), because we don’t have (a) runway here,” she said, adding that she hopes to



participate in the Miss Universe beauty pageant next.   

Al-Harbi tries to get in as many photoshoots and collaborations as possible. During the last Saudi Cup, a global horse racing event held at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh, she formed a partnership with Saudi designer Pavone. Her photos from the event went viral as she wore an outfit made from natural silk and pearls inspired by Al-Ahsa, also known as “the city of a million palm trees.” 

She said of the Saudi Cup: “It’s like the Met Gala, but in our way.” 

Now, she is involved in the upcoming Riyadh Fashion Week through the Saudi Fashion Commission.