Makkah: The judging panel of the 45th session of the King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting the Holy Quran continued its sessions for the third day by listening to the recitations of 18 contestants-nine in the morning session and nine in the evening-representing the competition's five categories.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the global event, organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, is being held at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. With yesterday's contestants, the total number of participants who have recited before the panel so far has reached 49 from around the world.
The sessions featured recitations from contestants representing Guinea-Bissau, Albania, Mauritania, Iran, Syria, Portugal, Eswatini, Fiji, the United Kingdom, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Indonesia, Algeria, Iraq, Libya, The Gambia, R©union, and Somalia, amid a deeply spiritual ambiance and strong public engagement.
The competition will resume on Tuesday, with more elite participants from around the world reciting during the final rounds that kicked off on Saturday. The competition's current session features 179 contestants from 128 countries across the world's continents, competing in five categories for a total prize pool of SAR4 million.
The competition forms part of the ministry's global commitment to the service of the Holy Quran and its reciters. It highlights Saudi Arabia's leading role in supporting Quranic programs, promoting the values of moderation and tolerance, and strengthening the connection of Muslims with the Holy Quran through prestigious international competitions held in the holiest of locations.