Quran prize invites nominations

Dubai The Organising Committee of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award has invited nominations from Arab and Islamic countries for the award's seventh edition scheduled for Ramadan this year.

Invitations were sent to 32 African countries, 19 Asian countries, 30 European countries, 17 Latin American countries, besides Australia, New Zea-land, the U.S. and Canada. Each was asked to nominate one competitor, according to Khalid Rashid Al Thani, Head of the Financial and Administrative Committee.

"Every year the award committee sends out around 120 invitations for applications to Muslim and non-Muslim countries worldwide. In the case of Muslim nations, the invitations are sent to the Islamic Affairs Ministry, otherwise they are sent to key Muslim organisations," said Al Thani.

Contestants have to be under the age of 21. The competition is currently open only to males. The candidates should be from an Islamic community, have permanent residency in a country and be fully conversant in Tajweed rules – the correct method for reciting the Holy Quran including pronunciation and tonality.

The award takes care of all expenses for the candidates including their travel and boarding. The annual budget for the organisation, including prize money and various other projects, is Dh8 million, which is mainly funded by General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence.

The top winner receives Dh250,000, followed by Dh150,000 for second place and Dh100,000 for third place. The organising committee also invited nominations from the universities in the Arab and Islamic countries for the Islamic Personality of the Year. He is granted Dh1 million in the closing ceremony of the award held on the 20th day of Ramadan.


The Holy Quran Award stands for...

- Serving the Holy Quran and promoting memorising the Quran to the optimum level

- Motivating youth to become committed to Islamic values and guiding them to fulfil their duties

- Creating a competitive atmosphere in memorising and honouring distinguished reciters who have memorised the Quran

- Emphasising the importance of Islamic values in the life of individual and groups

- Honoring eminent personalities, outstanding organisations dedicated to Muslims