The Miss Universe Morocco organization hosted the 2021 edition of the national pageant recently where stunning delegates from all over the country competed for the coveted title and an opportunity to represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant. At the end of the event, Fatima-Zahra Khayat was crowned Miss Universe Morocco 2021. Unfortunately, the diva will no longer be able to represent the country at Miss Universe 2021.

The organization announced her withdrawal as they wrote, “We are really sad to announce that Fatima-Zahra Khayat will be renouncing her title as Miss Universe Morocco by medical dispensation due to an accident and her disability to represent the country in optimal conditions in the coming weeks.” Just four days after winning the title, Fatima has been replaced by Kawtar Benhalima, who finished first runner-up at the Miss Universe Morocco 2021. A handover ceremony for which was held on 10th November 2021.

Benhalima is a 22 years-old Moroccan beauty queen with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Hailing from Casablanca, Morocco, she is fluent in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish. She loves arts, music and sports. She is a talented vocalist and she plays the piano. Aside from singing, Benhalima also enjoys dancing, acting, writing, public speaking, photography and soccer.

Kawtar has been a volunteer for Ladies Circle as a meal distributor and has also volunteered for the Reading Buddies Program as the head of program and a student reader. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from École Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales (ESSEC).

Returning to the Miss Universe pageant after a long gap of 40 years, Kawtar will represent Morocco at the upcoming Miss Universe 2021 pageant, scheduled to be held on 12th December 2021 in Eilat, Israel, where Andrea Meza of Mexico will crown her successor at the end of the event.