Moroccan-American takes Miss Arab USA top spot, winning $10,000 prize

Moroccan-American Marwa Lahlou recently became this year's Miss Arab USA, winning a $10,000 prize at an event held in Arizona.

The Miss Arab Organization called Lahlou a "highly intelligent woman" in a Monday press release.

It added that she speaks fluent Arabic, English, French and Spanish and holds an MBA in International Business Management and Marketing with high honours from the University of New Haven.

Lahlou's family moved to the city of Alexandria, Virginia after she suffered serious bullying at high school, the press release said.

It continued: "There, Marwa met many Arabs, which made her discover the sense of group solidarity and hospitality inherent to the Arab culture.

"Since then, she set herself as an ambassador for her heritage and worked hard throughout her life to represent the beauty and generosity of her Arab roots."

In a video of Lahlou's crowning, it was announced the winner would "receive a $10,000 cash prize".

Miss Arab USA 2022 first runner-up was American-Palestinian Joanna Rashid, with American-Lebanese Maria Bassil second runner-up and Jennifer Kassir third.

The Miss Arab Organization's press release said the Arab American Organization, which organises the Miss Arab Pageant, "takes pageantry to the next level for young Arab women by teaching the Queen to be a great Ambassador for humanity and goodwill".

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

Miss Arab Pageant founder Ashraf Elgamal said: "This is a non-political platform for young ladies to achieve personal growth and development, take pride in their heritage, discover their inner beauty, and lay a strong foundation as leaders of the future."