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.
On their part, officials at Dream TV did not comment on any of the criticism that was being thrown at them. 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, reported the UAE based daily, Al Bayan.
Egyptian singer Shireen Ahmad was especially chosen to be the main highlight of this year’s Miss Egypt Beauty Pageant alongside Lebanese singer Samo Zein. The event was aired lived by the Egyptian satellite channel Dream TV, which had bought the sole right to broadcast the pageant.
A press conference was recently held in which the details of the event were announced. Sixteen participants competed for the title, and the judging committee featured Ecuador’s ambassador to Egypt, Miss Universe 2002, a representative from Christian Dior’s House of Fashion, Sarah Shaheen (Miss Egypt 2001), Egyptian actress Laila Elwi, and many more prominent figures from Egypt and abroad. –Albawaba.com
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
