Kaziah Liz Mejo Returns to Abu Dhabi with Miss Universe India Crown
Kaziah Liz Mejo, the new Miss Universe India 2026, returned to Abu Dhabi with her title after winning in Jaipur. She met UAE Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, honoring a pledge to her friends and teachers in the UAE. Mejo will now represent India at the 75th Miss Universe p…
By Felo News Desk · Published
After clinching the Miss Universe India 2026 crown in Jaipur on August 23, 2024, 19‑year‑old Kaziah Liz Mejo flew back to Abu Dhabi to honor a promise she had made to her school, teachers and friends in the UAE. The law student, who grew up in a multicultural city that shaped her worldview, carried the national title and a sense of duty as she stepped into the capital’s bustling streets.
From Abu Dhabi Schoolgirl to National Champion
Mejo’s journey began in the UAE, where she attended school and spent much of her childhood. Her family roots lie in Kerala, India, but the cosmopolitan environment of Abu Dhabi helped her develop an appreciation for diverse cultures. In interviews, she has repeatedly highlighted how living in a country that welcomes every ethnicity prepared her for the rigors of an international beauty pageant.
In Jaipur, she competed against more than 50 finalists for the Miss Universe India title. The event, held at the historic City Palace, saw Mejo showcase her poise, intelligence and advocacy for tolerance—qualities that resonated with judges and audiences alike. Her win not only earned her the national crown but also the opportunity to represent India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico in November.
The Homecoming and the Meeting with Sheikh Nahyan
Shortly after her victory, Mejo returned to Abu Dhabi accompanied by her parents. The trip was marked by a public meeting with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. A video circulating on social media shows the young queen wearing her crown and sash as she greets the minister, a moment that underscored the values she carries from her upbringing.
During the encounter, Mejo spoke about her pledge to bring the crown back to the city that had nurtured her. “I promised Abu Dhabi and I promised all my friends there, my school, my teachers that I will come back with the crown and I promise I will make you proud,” she told Gulf News. “I can’t wait to go back to Abu Dhabi.” The meeting highlighted the UAE’s commitment to fostering tolerance and coexistence, ideals that resonate with Mejo’s own message of unity.
What the Crown Means for India and the UAE
Mejo’s victory carries symbolic weight for both India and the UAE. For India, it adds another chapter to its growing presence on the global pageant stage, following past winners who have brought international recognition to the country. For the UAE, it showcases the nation’s ability to nurture talent that can represent diverse cultures on an international platform.
In her post‑victory interview, Mejo expressed a clear vision: to bring the Miss Universe crown back to India. “My first and foremost vision is to bring the crown of Miss Universe back to India,” she said. While the international competition remains months away, her focus on India’s potential success underscores her commitment to her homeland.
Looking Ahead: Miss Universe 2024 in Puerto Rico
With the national title secured, Mejo’s next milestone is the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico. The competition will feature contestants from around the world, each vying for the prestigious crown. Mejo’s experience in Abu Dhabi and her advocacy for tolerance position her as a strong contender to represent India on the global stage.
As she prepares for the international event, Mejo continues to emphasize the importance of cultural understanding and inclusivity—values that she believes are essential for success in both pageantry and life. Her journey from a schoolgirl in Abu Dhabi to a national champion illustrates how diverse experiences can shape a global ambassador.
Key facts
- Kaziah Liz Mejo won Miss Universe India 2026 in Jaipur
- She promised and fulfilled a pledge to bring the crown back to Abu Dhabi
- She met UAE Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan
- She aims to bring the Miss Universe crown back to India
- Her multicultural upbringing shapes her advocacy for tolerance
Why it matters
Mejo’s return to Abu Dhabi with the Miss Universe India crown highlights the growing influence of the UAE on global cultural events and underscores India’s rising prominence in international pageantry.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kaziah Liz Mejo’s background?
She is a 19‑year‑old law student raised in Abu Dhabi with family roots in Kerala, India.
How many finalists competed for Miss Universe India 2026?
More than 50 finalists vied for the title in Jaipur.
When will the Miss Universe pageant take place?
The 75th Miss Universe pageant is scheduled for November 2024 in Puerto Rico.
What message does Mejo carry to the international stage?
She emphasizes tolerance, cultural understanding, and the aspiration to bring the crown back to India.
Who is Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan?
He is the UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, overseeing national efforts to promote tolerance.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com
- [2] gulfnews.com
