Vice-Governor of Mecca to Honor Winners at 46th Quran Competition

Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Vice-Governor of the Makkah Region, will honor the winners of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran tomorrow, Wednesday, during the closing ceremony organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The ceremony will be attended by princes, ministers, ambassadors, heads of participating delegations, and senior government officials, reflecting the Kingdom’s deep commitment to the Holy Quran and its reciters.

Context and Background

The King Abdulaziz International Competition is one of the most prestigious global events dedicated to the Holy Quran, attracting participants from around the world. This year’s 46th edition marks a historic milestone with the inclusion of a female section for the first time, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s progressive approach to empowering women in religious and cultural domains. The competition serves as a testament to the Kingdom’s leadership in Islamic affairs and its dedication to preserving and promoting Quranic studies internationally.

Key Details

The event will see Princess Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain, wife of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, honoring female winners during a separate ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Makkah. This dual ceremony highlights the comprehensive support for both male and female participants. The final rounds, held over several days at the Grand Mosque, brought together 334 contestants from 133 countries, with specialized local and international judging panels ensuring fairness and excellence.

The competition has seen a significant increase in the number of winners, now totaling 50 individuals—five winners in each of the ten categories. The total prize fund amounts to 10,260,000 Saudi riyals, demonstrating the Kingdom’s substantial investment in encouraging Quranic scholarship and recitation excellence across the globe.

Implications and Impact

This competition reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a global hub for Islamic learning and cultural exchange. By expanding to include women and increasing the number of winners, the Kingdom is sending a clear message of inclusivity and modernization while staying true to its religious heritage. The participation of 133 countries strengthens international ties and promotes mutual understanding, positioning Saudi Arabia as a bridge between cultures and a leader in religious diplomacy.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition aligns seamlessly with Vision 2030’s goals of fostering a vibrant society rooted in Islamic values, promoting cultural openness, and empowering women. The Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Quranic education and recognizing global talent not only preserves its religious legacy but also projects a forward-looking image that resonates with international audiences. As Saudi Arabia continues to open its doors to the world, such initiatives exemplify the nation’s dedication to both tradition and progress, reinforcing its status as a model of balanced development.

20 Questions

Q1. Who will honor the winners of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition?

A1. His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Vice-Governor of the Makkah Region, will honor the winners on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during the closing ceremony at the Grand Mosque.

Q2. When is the closing ceremony scheduled to take place?

A2. The ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 19, 2026, as per the official Saudi Press Agency announcement.

Q3. Where will the male winners’ ceremony be held?

A3. The ceremony for male winners will be held at the Grand Mosque (Al-Haram) in Makkah, a sacred and prestigious venue.

Q4. Where will the female winners’ ceremony take place?

A4. The female winners will be honored at the Hilton Hotel in Makkah, in a separate ceremony presided over by Princess Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain.

Q5. What is the name of the competition’s full title?

A5. The full title is the King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran.

Q6. Which Saudi ministry organizes the competition?

A6. The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance organizes the competition annually.

Q7. How many contestants participated in this year’s competition?

A7. A total of 334 contestants, both male and female, participated from 133 countries.

Q8. How many countries were represented at the competition?

A8. Contestants from 133 countries took part, showcasing the competition’s global reach.

Q9. What is the total prize value for this edition?

A9. The total prize value is 10,260,000 Saudi riyals, distributed among the winners.

Q10. How many winners are there in total this year?

A10. There are 50 winners in total, with five winners in each of the ten categories.

Q11. What makes this edition historically significant?

A11. This edition introduces a female section for the first time, marking a milestone in the competition’s history.

Q12. Who is Princess Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain?

A12. Princess Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain is the wife of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

Q13. Where were the final rounds of the competition held?

A13. The final rounds took place at the Grand Mosque in Makkah over several days.

Q14. What is the role of the judging panels?

A14. Specialized local and international judging panels ensure fair and accurate evaluation of contestants’ recitation and memorization skills.

Q15. What is the purpose of the competition?

A15. The competition aims to encourage memorization, recitation, and interpretation of the Holy Quran, fostering Islamic scholarship and excellence.

Q16. How does the competition support Saudi Vision 2030?

A16. It aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting cultural heritage, empowering women, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global standing in Islamic affairs.

Q17. What is the significance of holding the ceremony at the Grand Mosque?

A17. The Grand Mosque is the holiest site in Islam, adding spiritual significance and prestige to the event.

Q18. Are there any new features in this year’s competition?

A18. Yes, the introduction of the female section and an increased number of winners (50) are notable new features.

Q19. What is the expected attendance at the closing ceremony?

A19. The ceremony will be attended by princes, ministers, ambassadors, heads of delegations, and senior officials, highlighting its importance.

Q20. How does this competition strengthen international relations?

A20. By bringing together participants from 133 countries, the competition fosters cultural exchange, mutual respect, and diplomatic ties, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global leader in religious and cultural dialogue.

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