Riyadh: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has begun receiving the first participants in the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran, which brings together 334 contestants representing 133 countries from around the world.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the ministry received the first group of participants upon their arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, where reception teams facilitated their entry procedures before transporting them to their accommodations in Makkah. The arrangements are part of a comprehensive organizational plan designed to ensure the comfort of the competition's guests from the moment of their arrival until their departure, with the remaining delegations scheduled to arrive according to the approved timetable.

The ministry has mobilized all its resources to welcome participants, with specialized teams working around the clock to provide reception, accommodation, transportation, and hospitality services, ensuring a comfortable stay and creating an ideal environment for the competition.

Several participants expressed their delight at taking part in the global Quranic event, describing the opportunity to compete at the Grand Mosque as a great honor and a long-awaited dream. They highlighted the competition's prestigious standing among international Holy Quran competitions and the significant care and support it receives from the Kingdom's leadership.

The participants also noted that the competition conveys a global message of honoring the Holy Quran and encouraging its memorization and proper recitation. They said it brings together Holy Quran memorizers from around the world in a unique atmosphere of faith and brotherhood, praising the warm welcome, excellent organization, and generous hospitality they experienced upon arriving in the Kingdom.