The first-ever Miss Universe UAE (United Arab Emirates) is setting the record for having the most number of applicants (14,000+) from where the Top 300 were chosen (watch video below). President and National Director Josh Yugen aims to live up to its hashtag of #breakingstereotype. No height requirement at all, only a three-year residency in UAE (or citizenship) plus an Emirates ID.

And what do you know, so many gorgeous beauties stepped up to the plate, among them Filipina-Kiwi Franki Russell and Dubai resident Miah Llanes who was a Miss Philippines Earth candidate last year. Former Miss Millennial Philippines winner Julia Gonowon (right photo) also made it but opted not to continue with the competition anymore for personal and professional reasons.

From the Top 300, the sharpest cut to the Top 30 will be made. And if a lady makes it that far, then she should consider herself lucky for getting the nod of the entire screening panel.

The Top 30 will go through the whole journey towards the Miss Universe UAE crown, as follows:

The national finals is getting the full support of Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart. And this early, it would almost be a given that whoever will wear the UAE sash in Eilat, Israel will draw a lot of media attention and possibly a less thorny route climbing the ladder of placement.

We’ll see!