Makkah: Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al Alsheikh inaugurated today the final rounds of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting and Interpreting the Holy Quran at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The event is held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, featuring this year 334 participants-202 male and 132 female-from 133 countries.

According to Saudi Press Agency, in a video conference address, Al Alsheikh emphasized that the leadership's generous patronage reflects Saudi Arabia's dedication to the Holy Quran. He noted that the ministry expanded the competition over the past eight years by increasing the number of winners from 12 to 50 and raising total prizes to SAR10,260,000.

Following the address, judging committees commenced sessions to evaluate recitations across five categories at this international event. The competition is attended by prominent scholars, imams, and delegation heads, with extensive global media coverage.