Over 70 nations, communities to join global Quran contest

dubai — As many as 70 countries and communities from around the globe are participating in the third edition of the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak International Holy Quran Competition, which is set to run on November 4-16.

More contestants are expected, according to Ibrahim Mohammed Bu Melha, adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs and head of Dihqa organising committee. “The global competition is annually held under the auspicious sponsorship of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.”

As was the case in the last two years, all competitors need to first clear initial qualifying tests before they take the stage.

“Only those who pass the initial tests will take the stage to answer five questions each at the cultural and scientific association at Al Mamzar area, Dubai, on two shifts: morning (10am - 1pm) and evening (6.30pm - 9pm).”

The organising committee, following a special nationwide contest earlier announced online, has chosen a brilliant female memoriser to represent the UAE in the competition, Bu Melha said. She will go through an intensive training course from today until the beginning of November.

The committee has prepared a variety of 500 Quran questions for the competition, he said.

With necessary visas and entry permits already issued, Bu Melha said the first batch of contestants is expected to arrive in the country on November 1.

The competition will be broadcast live on ArabSat and NileSat by the Dubai Media Inc.