Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the wife of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Her Royal Highness Princess Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain, graced the closing ceremony last night honoring the winners of the local competition for the King Salman Award for Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Quran, in its 27th session. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance organized this major Quranic event at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh, amidst a distinguished attendance of princesses, dignitaries, and those interested in Quranic affairs.

This is an extension of the Kingdom's approach to caring for the Book of God

This ceremony reaffirms the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's longstanding commitment, since its founding, to the care of the Holy Quran, its printing, publication, and teaching. This award holds particular significance as it bears the name of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, reflecting the profound interest of the wise leadership in connecting the nation's sons and daughters to the Holy Quran, not merely for memorization, but as a way of life that promotes moderation and rejects extremism and fanaticism. This aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to build a vibrant society firmly rooted in its authentic Islamic values.

Event details and record numbers

The ceremony began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a documentary showcasing the award's history and development over the years, highlighting the unwavering support it receives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. This year's competition witnessed a spirit of healthy rivalry and widespread participation, reflecting the youth's deep connection to the Holy Quran. More than 3,600 contestants from across the Kingdom participated in the preliminary rounds, with 129 advancing to the final stage. These finalists underwent rigorous evaluation by specialized judging panels, adhering to the highest standards of quality and excellence.

Ministry statement and educational message

In a speech delivered via video conference, His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, affirmed that honoring these distinguished young women of the nation represents a profound message about the Kingdom's pioneering role in serving Islam. He noted that the total value of the prizes allocated for this session reached 7 million riyals, presented as support and encouragement for those who have memorized the Holy Quran. He emphasized that winning this award is both a responsibility and an honor, requiring adherence to the ethics of the Quran.

Closing ceremony

At the conclusion of the blessed evening, Her Royal Highness Princess Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain presented the awards to the winners of the top prizes in the six categories of the competition, praising their outstanding levels of memorization and recitation. The female members of the judging panel were also honored in recognition of their significant efforts in ensuring the success of the competition. The ceremony concluded with a shining example reflecting the status of Saudi women and their active role in serving their religion and nation.

In accordance with the Royal Decree issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, presented the King Abdulaziz Medal of the First Order to retired General Michael Corella, former Commander of the United States Central Command. The ceremony took place during His Highness's reception of the former US military official at his office in Riyadh, reflecting the depth of the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America.

The reception and presentation ceremony was attended by a number of senior officials from the Ministry of Defense, including His Royal Highness Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf, Deputy Minister of Defense; His Excellency Lieutenant General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of the General Staff; and His Excellency Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif, Advisor to the Minister of Defense for Intelligence Affairs. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged cordial greetings, emphasizing the strong ties that bind the defense institutions of the two friendly nations.

The significance and importance of the King Abdulaziz Medal

The King Abdulaziz Medal is one of Saudi Arabia's highest honors, awarded by royal decree in recognition of distinguished service or significant contributions to the nation or humanity. The awarding of this prestigious medal, of the highest rank, to the former commander of U.S. Central Command carries profound significance, reflecting Saudi Arabia's appreciation for General Corella's role during his tenure in strengthening military cooperation and joint efforts to ensure the security and stability of the region.

Strategic partnership and defense cooperation

This recognition comes within the context of the historic strategic partnership between Riyadh and Washington, particularly in the defense and security fields. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) plays a pivotal role in military coordination in the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia is a cornerstone of the regional security architecture. This tradition reflects the Kingdom's continued commitment to appreciating the efforts of allies and partners who contribute effectively to security, counterterrorism, and the protection of international waterways.

It is worth noting that cooperation between the Saudi Armed Forces and the US Army extends over many decades and includes joint training, exchange of experiences, and development of defense capabilities. This was embodied in the close relationship that brought together the Saudi Ministry of Defense under the leadership of “Corella” during his service, which contributed to raising the level of readiness and coordination to face the common challenges surrounding the region.