Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, the final qualifying rounds of the second edition of the UAE International Holy Quran Award commenced in Abu Dhabi. Organised by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, this prestigious award recognises not only those who have memorised the Quran but also individuals and institutions contributing significantly to the service of the Holy Book both locally and internationally.
Significance of the Award
Dr. Omar Habtoor Al-Dhari, President of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, praised the commitment shown by His Highness in sponsoring this quality international award. He noted that it embodies the President’s dedication to serving the Quran, promoting its sciences and values, enhancing its institutions, and honouring both local and global Quran memorizers. This initiative aligns with the legacy of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who established the initial charter of this award and set up centres for Quranic education within the UAE and beyond, ensuring they continuously serve as beacons of science, knowledge, and virtuous values.
A Competitive Platform
The final rounds, which began last Saturday, build on the preliminary phases of the award. This stage features high-level competition among top reciters who have triumphed in various international Quran competitions. Participants are tested on their proficiency in the different canonical readings and their ability to memorise the entire Quran, while the event also seeks to uncover outstanding talents in recitation and Tajweed from both citizens and residents. Moreover, a specific challenge is aimed at nurturing young talents from the Emirati community.
Increased Participation and Standards
This year’s edition has witnessed significant interest, with approximately 1,464 competitors participating in local branches of the competition. From this impressive number, around 89 contestants have successfully advanced to the final qualifying rounds after navigating the preliminary evaluation stages. Internationally, about 112 candidates from 27 countries submitted their applications, meeting the established criteria and receiving official endorsements from religious and Quranic institutions. From this pool, 11 contestants qualified for the final round in the international category held in Abu Dhabi.
Judging and Support for Emirati Talent
Dr. Al-Dhari emphasized that the competition will unfold before specialised judging panels, selected based on established scientific and artistic criteria. Noteworthy is that 80% of the judging panel comprises Emirati women, highlighting the authority’s commitment to promoting Emirati Quranic talents and advancing the teaching of the Quran to the youth through modern methods and artificial intelligence technologies.
The UAE International Holy Quran Award stands as a vital platform for fostering a culture of Quranic scholarship and appreciation, reflecting the nation’s commitment to upholding the teachings of Islam and supporting its community in engaging with the Holy Quran.