King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Competition opens in Makkah

According to the Saudi Gazette, the 46th session of the King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting the Holy Qur’an officially commenced in Makkah this Thursday. Held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, the event is organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance. The competition is scheduled to run through August 19, corresponding to the 6th of Rabi Al-Awwal.

This year’s iteration of the event features a record-breaking turnout, with 334 male and female contestants representing 133 countries. The competition serves as a platform to encourage young Muslims to engage deeply with the text of the Holy Qur’an while fostering a spirit of honorable competition. It also highlights Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to support the study and preservation of the Qur’an on an international scale.

In a notable departure from previous years, the organizers have introduced independent competitions for female participants, which are being hosted at the Makkah Hilton Hotel & Convention. Meanwhile, the male category finals and the official closing ceremony are slated to take place at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The event remains one of the most significant cultural and religious gatherings in the Kingdom, drawing participants from across the globe.