DUBAI, Nov 13, (Agencies): Lujane Yacoub had meticulously planned her gap year, but unforeseen events made it far more intriguing. Crowned Miss Universe Bahrain 2023 at 19, she's set to grace the stage in El Salvador on Nov. 18. Although the Miss Universe qualifying pageant is relatively young in Bahrain, starting in 2021, it has swiftly gained prominence. Yacoub's victory has ushered in a whirlwind of change.

Engaging in intensive training and travel, Yacoub spent a month in the Philippines with her Miss Universe team, working on gown fittings, pageant walk training, Q&A sessions, photo shoots, and bonding with her pageant sisters from Egypt and Pakistan. Currently in El Salvador for the competition, Yacoub, in an email interview with Arab News, shared her experiences.

The franchise rights for Miss Universe Bahrain, Miss Universe Pakistan, and Miss Universe Egypt are held by the Dubai-based company Yugen Group. The 72nd edition of the Miss Universe competition will announce its winner on Nov. 18, presenting Yacoub with the significant responsibility of representing the entire GCC on the global stage.

Despite being the youngest contestant in this year's Miss Universe Bahrain competition, Yacoub had a previous stint as the first runner-up in 2022, providing insights into the platform's potential. Experiencing a sudden surge in her Instagram following, she outlined her three-fold mission: volunteering as a children's art teacher for the Bahrain Trust Foundation, running the Hero Project to interview global change-makers, and serving as Bahrain's first Smile Train ambassador to raise awareness for cleft lip and palate issues.

Looking forward, Yacoub plans to attend university in the UK next year. However, her current focus is on the upcoming competition and returning to Bahrain for advocacy work, including speaking engagements at schools and movie roles aligned with her plans to study acting and film in college. Yacoub emphasized the transformative power of life's experiences, expressing eagerness to witness how her future unfolds during this unique gap year.