During a grand celebration at the Egyptian Media Production City, former Miss Egypt 2004 Hiba Al Sweisi took off her crown and placed it on the head Mariam George, who won the title for 2005. Mariam will be representing Egypt for the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant 2005 in Thailand in July.
According the London based Elaph, Mariam is an 18-year-old college student studying business administration at the Modern Academy in Egypt. During the pageant, four runner-ups were chosen among twelve contestants.
Last year, Egyptian Hiba Al Seesi was crowned Miss Egypt 2004 during the big event that was held for the occasion, where the two runner-ups are sisters. Samah Adel was first runner-up and and Dina Adel second runner-up. Hiba, who is a second-year law student was chosen among 16 participants.
Contestants in the competition fell under the age group of 17 to 27 years old, and must were Egyptian citizenship. All contestants were single, educated, and enjoyed a healthy lifestyle. The event was attacked by severe criticism as it was viewed going against social and religious principles and an insult to women. Critics claimed that the pageant makes a mockery out of females as they display themselves for people to judge them according to their looks. Human Rights activist defended the event by stating that the participants had participated based on their own will and desire, and each woman has the right to appear in either a bathing suit or an Islamic traditional dress if she wanted to.
Links:
[1] http://www.albawaba.com