Quran recitation contest has competitors from 67 countries

The Holy Quran recitation competition organised by the Dubai International Holy Quran Award will begin this evening. The award's fourth session, which will run until December 15, will be opened by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, son of Gen Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence.

Chairman Ibrahim Bu Melha said the public is invited to the sessions being held every night at 9pm at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Entrants from 67 countries are taking part. Each country is entitled to send one competitor who should be male and below the age of 21.

"Until yesterday, 33 competitors had arrived in Dubai. The rest will be coming in on the day of the competition," Bu Melha said. The number of competitors is increasing every year, which shows the award is achieving its objective of encouraging young people to memorise the Holy Quran.

"Last year we had 63 competitors, and we have received queries from countries which we did not correspond with. Such countries have expressed their desire to take part in the future," he said. The technical committee holds preliminary tests to ensure the level of competition is high.

"Last year three nominees were not allowed to take part because their recitation was not up to the required level. Until now the 33 nominees have been approved in the tests.

"We aim to guarantee a high quality of participation and preserve the international reputation of the award," Bu Melha said. A five-member panel of judges has been selected from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Tunis and Sudan.