Quran recitation winners to be honoured tonight

General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, will present prizes to the winners and participants in the Dubai International Holy Quran Award in a ceremony at Dubai World Trade Centre tonight.

Some 3500 dignitaries have been invited, including crown princes, sheikhs, members of the diplomatic corps, ministers and officials. Winners of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award and Dr. Yousuf Al Qaradawi, winner of the Islamic Personality of the Year, will receive prizes.

The first-place winner will be awarded Dh250,000, the second Dh150,000, and the third Dh100,000. Those from fourth to tenth will be awarded Dh50,000 each, and each of the remaining competitors will get Dh30,000.

During ten days starting from Ramadan 8, some 59 competitors were tested in their recitation capabilities and performance. Five were deemed unqualified to compete. Their countries will be notified to make better nominations in the future.

The closing ceremony will aim to highlight the Al Aqsa issue, said Ibrahim Bu Melha, Chairman of the award. "Children will sing songs of poems written by Sheikh Mohammed on the issue of Al Aqsa," he said.

The ceremony and the decoration of the stage will draw attention to the Al Aqsa issue. It aims to send a message to the world assuring the support of Muslims everywhere for the Palestinians and Al Aqsa, said Ibrahim Al Hashimi, head of the Information Committee.

During the ceremony 3,000 copies of a book by Yousuf Al Qaradawi will be distributed. The book was printed at the expense of the award as a gesture of recognition. A book on last year's award will be also distributed to those attending.

Al Hashimi said that this year's competition was distinguished by the high level of competitors, which made it difficult to chose the best. Also notable was the large audience, including members of the diplomatic corps, who were keen to attend each night.

"Some nights the audience exceeded the number of seats, and many had to sit on the stairs," he said. Also this year, a more women attended.