In October, Emilia Dobreva was crowned Miss Universe UAE during a private and closed-door audition. While the 27-year-old was initially thrilled about this achievement, her excitement quickly turned into concern. She had to make the difficult decision of leaving her children—six-month-old twins and a two-year-old son—behind to travel to Mexico for three weeks. This journey was necessary for her to represent the UAE in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant.
For Emilia, this was a dream she had been pursuing for over 20 years, and despite the challenges, it was an opportunity she couldn’t let slip away. “It was the toughest decision for me,” she said during an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times after attending a homecoming dinner in Downtown Dubai. She explained how hard it was to leave her young children behind, but she was grateful for the immense support of her family. Her husband, mother, and grandmother stepped in to take care of her babies while she was away.
During her time in Mexico, Emilia dedicated herself to her role, working 10 to 12 hours a day for three weeks straight. As a ballet teacher and a mother, this experience was a significant milestone not only for her but also for the UAE, as it marked the country’s first-ever participation in the Miss Universe pageant.
Her journey is an inspiring story of balancing personal responsibilities with professional ambitions, showing the strength and determination it takes to pursue one’s dreams while honoring commitments to family.
