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The Minister of Religious Affairs and Wakfs, Youcef Belmehdi, chaired the opening of the competition’s activities, in the presence of Advisor to the President of the Republic, in charge of Religious Affairs, Zawiyas and Quranic Schools, Mohamed Hassouni, Government members, national bodies’ officials and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Algeria.

The competition’s activities will be held from 4 to 7 February, and will wrap up with the awarding of the first three winners during an official ceremony, which will be organized on the occasion of the night of Al-Isra’ and Mi’raj (the night journey).

It should be noted that the Algiers International Award of Holy Qur'an Recitation and Psalmody, founded in 2004, is for Quran reciters under 25 years old who have never been one of the top three winners in previous editions. Well-known and professional reciters are ineligible to participate in this competition.

Over 40 countries from the Arab and Muslim world participated in the qualifying round of this edition, held from 21 to 23 January. 

Twenty candidates, including Algerian representative Youcef Benabderrahmane, advanced to the finals.

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