Contest boosts Qur’an apps with tech innovation

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Abdulaziz Al-Oraij, chairman of the Programmers Association, said the initiative aims to empower Qur’anic communities with interactive tools. (Supplied)
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The initiative uses modern technology to serve the Holy Qur’an and improve the digital experience for users worldwide. (Supplied)
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The initiative uses modern technology to serve the Holy Qur’an and improve the digital experience for users worldwide. (Supplied)
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Updated 29 June 2025
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Contest boosts Qur’an apps with tech innovation

  • Ayathon brings together programmers, designers, researchers and Islamic scholars to develop digital tools supporting memorization, recitation and reflection on the Qur’an

RIYADH: Ayathon, a Qur’an-focused app development hackathon organized by the Programmers Association, recently concluded in Riyadh.

Abdulaziz Al-Oraij, chairman of the association, described Ayathon as an initiative to use modern technology to serve the Holy Qur’an and improve the digital experience for users worldwide.

He added that Ayathon brings together programmers, designers, researchers and Islamic scholars to develop digital tools supporting memorization, recitation and reflection on the Qur’an.

“It aims to empower Qur’anic communities with interactive tools,” Al-Oraij said.

Mohammed Al-Wadee, chairman of the hackathon’s committee, said the event seeks to improve Qur’anic apps and develop technology that aligns with Islamic values.

He added that the event promotes integrating technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality and user experience design into sustainable projects.

Maha Al-Atwi, chair of the technical committee, said Ayathon combines technical creativity and intellectual depth to motivate participants, and enhance results through interdisciplinary collaboration.

She added that using technologies like AI and data analytics helps create digital solutions meeting diverse user needs and offering a quality Qur’anic experience for the digital generation.

The judging panel includes international experts in technology and Islamic studies, ensuring projects are evaluated on innovation, quality and meaningful content, Al-Atwi said.


Malaysian minister commends Saudi Arabia’s Ramadan programs

Updated 27 February 2026
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Malaysian minister commends Saudi Arabia’s Ramadan programs

  • Ministry of Islamic Affairs implements Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ program for distributing dates in 120 countries, iftar meals in 70 countries

RIYADH: Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan has commended Saudi Arabia’s Ramadan programs, saying that the implementation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ iftar and date distribution programs in Kuala Lumpur embodies the deep ties and humanitarian solidarity between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, the minister praised the Kingdom’s historical commitment to caring for the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah and attending to the affairs of Muslim nations, Saudi Press Agency reported.

He described the initiative as a generous gesture that reflected the values of cooperation, concluding with prayers for the continued security and stability of the Kingdom and its leadership.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the Saudi Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, launched the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ dates distribution program during a ceremony at the Saudi Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, SPA reported.

The total quantity allocated for distribution is five tonnes of premium Saudi dates, benefiting about 15,000 people in various Romanian cities and regions, as part of the ministry’s Ramadan programs implemented outside the Kingdom during the holy month.

A number of attendees and beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to the Kingdom, its leadership and people for the donation.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs also launched the iftar program for fasting Muslims in Korea at the Seoul Central Mosque, in the presence of the charge d’affaires at the Kingdom’s embassy in Korea, Fahd Al-Barakah.

Three tonnes of dates will be distributed, benefiting 12,000 people, while about 10,000 will benefit from the iftar program.

This initiative is part of the ministry’s efforts to promote the values of solidarity and compassion among Muslims worldwide during Ramadan.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs implements the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ program for distributing dates in 120 countries and the program for providing iftar meals in 70 countries.