A 14-year-old from Kuwait has reached the finals of the 28th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious Quran competitions, where total prizes now exceed Dh12 million.
For Abdullah Faisal Al Buti, the journey began long before the spotlight.
“With the Quran, the mind expands to embrace everything,” he says, describing a principle that has guided him since childhood.
A Foundation Built at Home
Abdullah’s relationship with the Quran started at age nine, when his mother began teaching him memorization at home. He completed his first two parts before joining structured Quran circles.
He later enrolled at Al Maher Association for the Quran and Its Sciences in Kuwait, an institution focused on nurturing students who memorize, understand, and live by the Quran through specialized programs and qualified scholars.
Family support shaped his discipline. His household revolves around collective revision and encouragement, creating an environment that strengthens both retention and pronunciation.
Balancing schoolwork with memorization became his greatest challenge. He credits consistency, patience, and daily listening practice for refining his tajweed and vocal maqamat.
A Record of Excellence
Despite his age, Abdullah has built an impressive record.
He secured first place among schools in the Farwaniya Educational District’s Quran Recitation Competition in 2025. He also achieved first and second place in Kuwait’s Grand Quran Memorization and Tajweed Competition in 2024 and 2025.
In 2023, he won first place at the Farwaniya Governorate level as Best Muezzin for Ministry of Education students. That same year, he topped the Basayer Charity Association’s Most Beautiful Adhan Competition. He later earned second place for two consecutive years in the Moudhi Barjas Al Sur Mosque Competition.
Each achievement marked preparation for a larger stage.
A Global Platform in Dubai
Reaching the Dubai finals represents more than personal success.
“Competing in Dubai proves that the Quran unites hearts despite differences in language,” Abdullah says. He describes the experience as a living expression of Islam’s universality.
Participation exposed him to international standards of recitation and linguistic precision. The competition gathers young talents from across continents, raising both performance quality and spiritual focus.
This year’s edition introduces a renewed developmental vision aimed at expanding global participation and impact, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a center for Quranic excellence.
Beyond the Stage
Outside of recitation, Abdullah enjoys cycling and excels in football and volleyball. Memorization did not replace childhood. It structured it.
He regularly listens to renowned reciters whom he considers role models and plans to obtain certified ijazahs with authenticated chains of narration so he can teach future generations.
For him, memorization is not a burden but nourishment.
“Start immediately. Reduce distractions. Even one page a day with consistency guarantees mastery,” he advises. He encourages students to use the time after Fajr, describing it as the most blessed period for retention and clarity.
At 14, Abdullah stands at the intersection of discipline, faith, and youthful energy. His presence in Dubai’s finale reflects not only personal effort but a family culture centered on the Quran.
