Jordanian-American model Farah Abu Adeela crowned Miss Arab USA in Arizona pageant

A model of Jordanian descent was crowned Miss Arab USA 2023 at a pageant in Chandler, Arizona over the weekend.

Farah Abu Adeela, from the US state of Illinois, won the contest and its conditional cash prize of $10,000 on 15 July.

"Finally I have a louder voice to show the Arab women power to the world," Abu Adeela said of her victory via an Instagram post caption. 

"Big thanks for every person that believed in me and supported me and special thanks for all my sponsors. I am so blessed with this opportunity and I wish it is a beginning for a great future."

Abu Adeela succeeds Miss Arab USA 2022, Moroccan American Marwa Lahlou.

Miss Arab USA was founded by the Arab American Organisation. Its first pageant was in 2010.

"The Annual Miss Arab Pageant is founded on the basis of advancing the cause for young ladies of Arab descent," according to the pageant's website.

"The pageant redefines the image of the Arab woman as a leader and a vital partner in the development of the world."

According to eligibility criteria for next year's competition, entrants must be aged between 18 and 28 and have at least one parent or grandparent of Arab origin.

During her one-year reign, the winner of the pageant takes part in public events to represent the Arab community in the US.

Miss Arab USA is not affiliated with other pageants, its website states.

There are roughly 3 million Arab Americans, according to the US Department of State – though estimates can vary greatly.