Global Quran competition qualifiers begin with participants from 33 countries

The preliminary stage of the third round of the Awal Al Awa’ael Global Quranic Competition has begun, bringing together elite Quran memorizers who have previously achieved top positions in major international competitions.

The contest, whose name translates as “First of the Firsts,” is the international branch of the Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Competition for the Holy Quran.

Two participants from Qatar—Abdullah Hamad Salem Hamad Abu Shuraida and Abdulaziz Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Hamri—are competing alongside 82 contestants representing 33 countries.

Virtual qualifiers continue until July 30

The preliminary qualification process is being held virtually and will continue until July 30, 2026.

Contestants are being assessed by two specialised judging panels according to approved academic and technical standards covering Quran memorisation, recitation and understanding.

The panels will select the top 40 contestants to progress to the next stage of the competition.

Two specialist judging panels oversee the competition

The first judging panel is chaired by Sheikh Hamada Jumaa Mohammed Hassan, who holds an Ijazah in the Ten Minor Qira’at.

The second panel is headed by Sheikh Mohammed Nizar Marwan Mareesh, who holds an Ijazah in the Ten Major Qira’at.

Their role is to provide a fair and transparent assessment of the contestants during the virtual preliminary stage.

Top 40 to compete in Qatar in November

The 40 successful qualifiers will travel to Qatar for the next stage, which is scheduled to be held in person at Imam Muhammad ibn Abd Al Wahhab Mosque in November.

From that group, the 10 highest-performing contestants will advance to the final round before an international judging panel.

The eventual winner will receive the Awal Al Awa’ael title and a prize of QAR 1 million.

Competition reserved for elite Quran memorizers

Participation in Awal Al Awa’ael is not open to general applicants.

Entry is limited to contestants who have secured leading positions in recognised international Quran competitions, along with previous winners of the full Quran memorisation category of the Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Competition.

This structure brings together experienced memorizers who have already demonstrated a high standard of Quran memorisation and recitation on international platforms.

Qatar represented by two participants

Qatar is represented in the current preliminary stage by Abdullah Hamad Salem Hamad Abu Shuraida and Abdulaziz Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Hamri.

Their participation reflects Qatar’s continued presence at international Quran memorisation events and the country’s efforts to prepare local memorizers for high-level competitions.

Awal Al Awa’ael competition details

Competition: Awal Al Awa’ael Global Quranic Competition

Current stage: Virtual preliminary qualifiers

Qualification period: Until July 30, 2026

Qatar participants: Two

Other competitors: 82

Countries represented: 33

Advancing to the next round: 40 contestants

In-person round: November 2026

Venue: Imam Muhammad ibn Abd Al Wahhab Mosque

Finalists: 10 contestants

Grand prize: QAR 1 million

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