All set to crown her successor

Bahrain’s Miss Universe who has been promoting inclusivity and raising awareness about mental health over the last year will be crowning her successor to carry on the kingdom’s torch on a global scale next month.

The 26-year-old, Manar Jess Deyani, who is a fashion designer from Riffa, is thrilled to appoint the next Bahraini beauty queen and says she will cherish her role forever as she continues her charitable journey.

“It feels surreal, I can’t believe my reign as Miss Universe Bahrain is almost over, but I’m excited to meet my successor and build a sisterhood that we’ll both cherish forever,” said the model and social media influencer who is the eldest of four, and is currently based in Dubai.

“I will definitely be there to support her in every step she takes; to celebrate her, to coach her and to empower her.

“I am so excited to be crowning my successor and the world will get to meet the new Miss Universe Bahrain this September.”

Jess was selected to represent Bahrain in the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant held in the Israeli port city of Eilat last year. She is grateful to the Miss Universe Bahrain Organisation for believing in her potential.

“I will forever be thankful to be given this opportunity of a lifetime to show how strong, confident and passionate Bahraini women are,” she said. “I’m thankful that I had a platform to share and tell the world my story, which is of a Khaleeji woman who once dreamt of becoming a beauty queen but did not fit in society’s stereotype.”

During her reign, Manar used the platform to help raise awareness about mental health issues as she suffers from a disorder that causes her anxiety and depression. She also overcame self-esteem issues and insecurities over her height, as she was the shortest final contestant in the competition’s history ... being 155cm (5ft 1in) tall.

Despite her struggles, Manar is seen as kind, charming, witty and wise by those she meets and she will always be remembered for walking onto the stage during the swimsuit or athletic wear category in a quarter-sleeved top and wide-leg pants ensemble.

Videos of her fashion choice went viral on social media with fans cheering her on.

“My life has never been the same since I was named Miss Universe Bahrain,” she said. “The title doesn’t only come with a crown; it comes with a great responsibility. Many young women look up to people like me hence it is important to positively influence everyone I come across.

“I was involved in a lot of charity work and I am fortunate enough to be able to inspire a lot of people to use their voices and chase their dreams.

“I’m sure my successor will continue to be an inspiration for many and advocate for the causes close to her heart.”

Manar also added that physical beauty isn’t what makes a Miss Universe … it’s their confidence.

“A Miss Universe queen is someone who is inspirational and purposeful,” she said. “She is someone who can empower young girls around the world through her advocacies and the stories that she has to tell.”

Manar is planning to launching her own fashion brand.

“I will also continue to use my platform and my voice to push people to greatness as well as help those in need in ways that I can. I also hope to spread more awareness about mental health,” she said.

For details, follow @jessdeyani on Instagram.