Abu Dhabi-born Kaziah Liz Mejo debuts as Miss Universe India, targets global title

Abu Dhabi-born Kaziah Liz Mejo, a 19-year-old law student and model, will represent India on the global stage after being crowned Miss Universe India 2026. Mejo's victory, announced on August 24, 2026, at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre, secures her path to the international pageant in Puerto Rico. Mejo triumphed over 51 other contestants in the national competition. Her win grants her a spot at the 75th Miss Universe pageant, scheduled for November. UAE Roots and Global Ambition Mejo's early life in Abu Dhabi shaped her global perspective. Friends and former teachers in Abu Dhabi recalled her participation in school events and community initiatives, noting her poised demeanour. Her journey to the Miss Universe India title involved rigorous rounds of interviews, talent showcases, and runway segments in Jaipur. The competition culminated in a final question regarding her vision for global change, where Mejo articulated an argument for youth empowerment through education. Why It Matters for UAE Residents Mejo's success resonates with the large Indian expatriate community and young residents in Abu Dhabi. Her achievement exemplifies how talent fostered in the Emirates can gain international recognition. As she prepares for the global competition, many in the UAE will follow her journey, seeing her as a symbol of the diverse talent pool cultivated by the nation's inclusive environment.