Maldivian student Shaya secures fourth place in international Quran competition held in Mecca
20 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 12:08A prize of 170,000 Riyals has been awarded to Shaya for her achievement representing the Maldives in this competition.
Shaya, who secured fourth place in the competition, pictured with Islamic Minister Dr. Shaheem. | Social Media
Al-Hafiza Fatimath Shaya Zahir of the Maldives has secured fourth place in the memorization category at the International Quran Competition held in Mecca.
According to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, this year's competition saw participation from 133 countries. This marks the first time in the tournament's 46-year history that female contestants have been included.
Shaya has been awarded 170,000 Riyals in prize money for her achievement in this competition.
The competition's results were announced on Wednesday night during a ceremony held at the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The event was graced by the Deputy Governor of Mecca, Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz. The ceremony was also attended by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs and the Imam of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais.
The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, attended the ceremony as a special guest. Minister Shaheem stated that it is a great honor for the Maldives to have a local participant achieve such a prestigious ranking in this competition.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, Dr. Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, has extended his congratulations to Shaya and her parents.
