DUBAI: US Jordanian contestant Farah Abu Adeela from the state of Illinois was crowned Miss Arab USA at the beauty pageant’s finale in Arizona over the weekend. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @arabnews.lifestyle The new Miss Arab USA, who is a model, takes over from 2022’s winner, Moroccan American Marwa Lahlou. The annual pageant, which returned in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held in Arizona this year. Produced by The Arab American Organization (AAO), the pageant is “founded on the basis of advancing the cause of young ladies of Arab descent,” according to its website. The swimsuit category does not feature in the pageant, with the stated aim of organizers being to “select an honorable Arab young lady to represent our culture in the US and worldwide for one year.” This year’s ceremony featured a performance by dance troupe Zeffa of Phoenix.