Saudi Islamic affairs minister opens King Abdulaziz International Quran Competition finals

The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance and General Supervisor of Local and International Quran Competitions, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, today inaugurated the final rounds of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran. The event, organized by the ministry under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is being held at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

This year’s competition features 334 male and female contestants representing 133 countries from around the world, underscoring its status as one of the largest international Quran competitions.

Historic female participation and significant development

In a speech delivered via video link, Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh noted that, for the first time, this edition includes a dedicated section for female participants, enabling women who have memorized the Quran to take part in this global event. He said this reflects Saudi Arabia’s inclusive support for both male and female Quran memorizers.

He added that over the past eight years, the ministry has worked to enhance and develop the competition’s international standing, increasing the number of winners from 12 to 50 and raising the total prize money to 10,260,000 riyals (SAR).

Details of the final rounds

The minister announced the start of the final rounds for both male and female contestants, wishing all participants success. The judging panels began listening to the recitations of male contestants at the Grand Mosque, while the female panel listened to the female contestants at the competition venue in the Hilton Conference Hotel.

The finals were attended by a number of mosque preachers, imams, senior officials, and heads of delegations, with comprehensive local and international media coverage provided by the ministry’s integrated media center.

Leading status of the competition

The King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran is regarded as one of the most prestigious Quran competitions worldwide. Through this event, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to honoring Quran memorizers and advancing its mission to serve the Holy Quran.