100 memorisers to take part in Dubai Holy Quran Award
dubai — The 21st edition of the 14-category Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA) is to see — for the first time ever — 100 contestants in the Holy Month of Ramadan this year.
The announcement has been made by Ibrahim Mohammed Bu Melha, Adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs and Head of the DIHQA Organising Committee. “We have so far received confirmation from 100 countries and foreign communities around the world that they will participate in the 21st edition of the global prestigious award.”
The award, to run on Ramadan days 1 to 20 at the auditorium of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is annually held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The DIHQA organising committee had earlier invited over 120 Islamic countries and foreign Islamic communities in Europe, America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia for participation in the Award this year, he added. “Aspirant participants need to tightly memorise and perfectly recite the Holy Quran in full, and should not be over 25 years old at the time of the contest which sees stiff competition from competent memorisers all over the globe,” Bu Melha said.
“The lectures programme is to start on Ramadan 01 at the Dubai Chamber at 10pm while the women only lectures will be held at the
1,667 Quran memorisers participated in the contest over the last 20 years
Dubai Women’s Association at the same time.”
The foreign communities lecture programme will, however, be held at Al Nasr Leisureland Club in Oud Metha Dubai for eight days, he explained. “The lecture programme at the Dubai chamber will last for six days, following which the international competition is to start.”
“The lecture programme, to start at 10pm every night after the Taraweeh Prayer, is to take place at three different venues: the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (open), Dubai Women’s Association (women only), and Al Nasr Leisureland Club at Oud Metha (foreign communities).”
A list of renowned and popular scholars are to give the lectures to also spotlight the exemplary charity role of the country founded by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Dr. Saeed Hareb, deputy chairman of the organising committee, said official figures show that 1,667 Quran memorisers participated in the global competition over the last 20 years. ‘With 100 participants expected, the number will grow up to some 1,770.”
Prof. Dr. Mohammed Abdulrahim Sultan Alolama, member of the DIHQA organising committee and head of the competitions unit, said they are all set for the milestone contest with a variety of over
Aspirant participants need to tightly memorise and perfectly recite the Holy Quran in full, and should not be over 25 years old at the time of the contest.” Ibrahim Mohammed Bu Melha, Head of DIHQA Organising Committee
500 questions. “The competitions unit has already decided on the international arbitrators to judge the award. They have all been chosen as per very strict standards, spanning their competence, reputation and expertise in judging international Quran competitions.” More details are available on www.quran. gov.ae, via e-mail at quran@eim.ae or by call at 04-2610666.”
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com