RIYADH — Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Abdulatif Al Al-Sheikh announced that the total prizes of the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Award for Holy Quran Memorization, Recitation and Interpretation have been raised to SR9 million.Al Al-Sheikh, who oversees local and international Quran competitions, said the number of first-place winners in each of the competition’s six branches will increase from three to five starting from the 28th edition.The move reflects continued support from the leadership for the competition and care for the Holy Quran and its memorizers.The minister said the decision aims to strengthen the competition’s position as a leading national initiative in service of the Quran and to encourage citizens to memorize, recite and understand the Holy Book.He noted that the competition has witnessed notable development in participation levels, organization and judging standards over previous editions.Al Al-Sheikh said increasing the prize value is intended to expand positive competition and attract more talented participants in memorization, recitation and interpretation from across the Kingdom.He added that the ministry is working to further develop the competition’s organizational, media and technical aspects in line with Saudi Vision 2030, enhancing its presence locally and internationally and highlighting the Kingdom’s leadership in hosting major Quran competitions.The minister expressed appreciation to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support of initiatives serving the Holy Quran.