By Habari Entertainment | November 8, 2026
BUELLTON, Calif. — RS-IP L3C announced Nov. 7 that its U.S. franchise agreement with the Miss Polo Universe Organization is no longer in effect. Ricardo Santiago Soto said he is no longer the international pageant’s U.S. national director.
“I am no longer the USA national director (franchisee) of the Miss Polo Universe Organization,” Soto said in the announcement.
RS-IP credited the organization with giving the U.S. franchise a structure to operate within and opportunities to promote its work and build connections. The company also expressed confidence that the international pageant would continue to grow under Zainab S. Al Taher, whom Miss Polo Universe identifies as its founder and CEO. misspolouniverse.com
Soto previously led a nationwide contestant search
As national director, Soto opened a nationwide search for Miss Polo Universe USA 2026 contestants. Earlier promotional materials offered fundraising coaching to help applicants cover entry costs. The U.S. franchise also promoted state representation, a modest fashion showcase and the opportunity to compete internationally. Modest Pageant Competition
The international organization is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and describes its pageant as a platform for leadership, education and cultural exchange. Al Taher discussed plans to expand the pageant internationally in 2026 at a year-end press conference in December 2025. misspolouniverse.com
U.S. leadership and contestant plans remain unclear
RS-IP gave no reason for the agreement’s end and did not name a successor to Soto. Its statement also did not address what the change means for applicants, delegates, or planned U.S. events. Habari Entertainment could not verify a separate public response from the international organization.
RS-IP said it would announce its plans soon. The company gave no date for that update or details about its next project.
More Stories
Phoenix and St. Mary’s Food Bank Launch Citywide Holiday Food Drive
Benin’s Economy Grew 8.2% in the First Half of 2026, IMF Staff Says
ICC President Tomoko Akane Discusses Support for Court During Canada Visit