Lebanon’s Valerie Abou Chacra crowned 2016 beauty queen

A new Miss Lebanon was crowned on Monday night, beating 13 other contestants.

It is understood Valerie Abou Chacra won prizes valued at approximately $500,000, including an apartment, jewelry and a trip to New York.

Chacra, a communication arts student, has taken the crown from Sally Goreige, Miss Lebanon 2014.

Lebanese A-lister fashion designer Zuhair Murad was among the judges, and had dressed the contestants in evening gowns from his 2015-2016 autumn/winter collection.

Chacra wore a stunning white and silver sequin embroidered dress.