Syria’s Nadine Fahad named Miss Arab World 2012

Nadine Fahad, from Syria, was named as Miss Arab World 2012 in a beauty pageant contest held in Egypt on Sunday. Egypt’s Rovan Yousuf came second and Tunisia’s Nadya Khalifa ranked third in the contest.

After winning the title, Nadine said that she dedicates her title to her country war-torn Syria and her “second home,” Egypt.

The contest sought to highlight the “ideal Arab girl” that best represents her country based on traditional Arab values of modesty and culture,” according to www.missarabworld.org, the website of the event.

The jury consists of “specialized individuals who represent the Arab world and were invited to Egypt under the supervision of Egypt's tourism ministry.

The contenders, according the website, had to take written and oral exams as part of the competition.

The event, which took place in the Meridian hotel in Upper Cairo, was attended by a number of Arab ambassadors, dignitaries and famed actors. A number of Arab singers, Doli Shahin and Marwa, performed in the event.