Though some past queens agree the contest had its merits and launched many into notable careers, opinions are divided on whether event is relevant in current times

After 43 beasts disqualified in Saudi contest, officials rule there wasn't cosmetic tampering with animal, named Mangiah Ghufran — declaring him winner of million-riyal top prize

The competition, hosted this year in Eilat, was the target of vocal criticism from those who view beauty pageants as outdated, sexist and damaging to young women

'Tonight we are in the beautiful country of Israel,' host Steve Harvey tells hundreds of millions of viewers in 172 countries who tuned in for live TV broadcast from Eilat

The 70th pageant will kick off early Monday morning in Israel, despite the Omicron variant's travel hindrances -- and local criticism

With Miss Bahrain making a debut at the competition in Eilat and Miss Morocco returning for the first time since 1978, the beauty pageant showcases new regional ties

Organization that chooses country's entrant says Sofia Arapogianni is its pick, not Rafaela Plastira who said she wouldn't attend Eilat contest over Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Organizers say the event will go ahead as planned in Eilat next weekend, and that most of the 80 contestants arrived in country before its borders were shut to foreigners

'When you are in there you forget about politics, about your religion,' says reigning winner Andrea Meza of Mexico

Organizers announce 70th installment of beauty pageant will take place in southern resort in December