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The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance reported that female contestants participated for the first time in the history of the King Abdulaziz International Quran Competition. The 46th edition drew 334 male and female contestants from 133 countries to the final rounds held at the Grand Mosque. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz will honor the male winners at the Grand Mosque on Wednesday on behalf of King Salman. Princess Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain is scheduled to honor the female winners at the Hilton Convention Hotel.
According to the ministry the competition was established in 1979 and has been held annually under royal patronage since then. This year’s event featured five categories that include full memorization of the Quran with recitation tajweed and interpretation as well as shorter memorization segments with tajweed. The ministry increased the number of winners to 50 with five males and five females selected in each category. Judging was carried out by specialized Saudi and international panels.
Ministry records from the previous year show that the 45th edition in 2025 involved 179 contestants from 128 countries. The 46th edition expanded to incorporate contestants from 133 countries and nearly doubled overall participation with the addition of female reciters. The ministry set the total prize fund at SR10.26 million for the current competition.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance arranged an exhibition that traces the history of the competition across its 46 editions. Contestants also toured the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran as part of the program activities. The ministry indicated that heads of delegations ambassadors and senior officials attended the final rounds.
The ministry stated that the separate awards ceremonies for male and female winners will take place on the same day in different venues. All evaluations followed the guide issued by the ministry on August 7 for the 46th edition. The competition remains focused on standards of memorization recitation and understanding of the Quran.
