ABU DHABI: UAE-raised Kaziah Liz Mejo is preparing for the global Miss Universe stage after becoming Miss Universe India 2026, with the 19-year-old law student and model set to represent India at the competition’s 75th anniversary edition in Puerto Rico.
Mejo, who is from Mavelikkara in Kerala and spent much of her formative years in Abu Dhabi, won the national crown at the Miss Universe India finale in Jaipur on August 23. Reports said she emerged from a field of 52 finalists.
Her next challenge is considerably larger. The Miss Universe Organization has confirmed that Puerto Rico will host the 75th anniversary of the competition in November 2026, with the main event scheduled at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan.
A journey shaped in Abu Dhabi
Mejo’s connection to the UAE is an important part of her story. She grew up in Abu Dhabi and attended schools in the capital, including Emirates National School, St Joseph’s School and Abu Dhabi Indian School, according to reporting by The Times of India.
In an earlier interview with Gulf News, Mejo described Abu Dhabi as an environment that helped prepare her for an international platform. She said the city’s multicultural setting exposed her to different people and perspectives and contributed to her development before she entered the pageant world.
That background now accompanies her as she prepares to compete internationally, where communication, stage presence and the ability to connect with audiences are among the demands of the pageant environment.
From law student to national pageant winner
Mejo has continued her education alongside modelling and pageantry. She is a law student and has also been involved in classical dance and acting, according to reports following her national victory.
Her Miss Universe India victory followed earlier pageant experience. The Indian Express reported that Mejo had represented India at Miss Teen International 2025, where she finished as first runner-up.
The Jaipur finale also gave her experience competing under pressure before a panel that included former Miss Universe titleholder Sushmita Sen, according to reports about the event.
What lies ahead in Puerto Rico
Mejo will now move from the national pageant circuit to the international competition, where she will represent India among delegates from around the world.
The Miss Universe Organization’s announcement describes the 2026 event as the organisation’s 75th anniversary celebration. The competition will be held in San Juan, with the venue’s official capacity listed at 18,500.
The organisation has also described the anniversary programme as including cultural, artistic and social activities throughout the year, adding an international dimension beyond the final competition itself.
For Mejo, the journey brings together several parts of her background: her Kerala roots, years in Abu Dhabi, legal studies and experience in modelling and pageantry.
Her national victory has already placed her among India’s representatives on one of the world’s most prominent beauty-pageant stages. The next step will come in November, when she takes that experience to Puerto Rico.
Who is Kaziah Liz Mejo?
Kaziah Liz Mejo is a 19-year-old law student and model from Kerala who was raised in Abu Dhabi. She won the Miss Universe India 2026 title in Jaipur.
When did Kaziah Liz Mejo win Miss Universe India 2026?
She won the national title at the grand finale in Jaipur on August 23, 2026.
Where was Kaziah Liz Mejo raised?
She spent much of her formative years in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Will Kaziah Liz Mejo represent India at Miss Universe 2026?
Yes. She will represent India at the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico in November 2026.
Where will Miss Universe 2026 take place?
The 75th anniversary competition will take place at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
What did Kaziah do before winning Miss Universe India?
She studied law, worked as a model and had previous pageant experience, including representing India at Miss Teen International 2025, where she finished as first runner-up.
How many contestants did she compete against in Jaipur?
Reports said Mejo won from a field of 52 finalists.
