The world's most upmarket beauty pageant - without a bikini in sight

It must be one of the most upmarket beauty pageants ever - without a bikini in sight.

Women from across the Arab world came together to compete in the Miss Arab World contest in Cairo - with Miss Bahrain, Wafa Yaqoop, being crowned the winner.

Winner: Wafa Yaqoop is crowned Miss Arab World 2007

Candidates came from 16 Arab countries including Egypt, Lebanon, Sudan, Iraq, Libya and Palestine.

Contestants: Palestinian contestant Merna Kattan (left) and Kuwaiti contestant Fatma Ghadban

Beauty: Iraqi contestant Mayada Hussein (left) and Moroccan contestant Sarah Banani

It is the second time the competition has been staged.

Line-up: Contestants in the second Miss Arab World Contest