Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Deputy Emir of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal honored the winners of the 44th edition of King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorization, Recitation and Interpretation of the Holy Qur’an.

The competition, which was held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, drew 174 contestants from 123 countries, with a total prize money of SR4 million. The competition was organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance.

Several princes, ministers, scholars, ambassadors of Arab and Islamic countries, government officials, and mosque preachers in the Makkah region attended the closing ceremony held at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh said that this competition affirms Saudi Arabia's care and concern for the Holy Qur’an, its memorization, and recitation.