Xpats.ae reports that the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, operating under the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, has commenced the final stage of the preliminary phase for the 26th Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Holy Quran Competition 2025. The event will continue until October 23 at the Award’s headquarters in Dubai, featuring an elite group of male and female Quran memorizers from across the country’s emirates.
Regarded as one of the UAE’s leading Quranic initiatives, the competition is part of the Award’s continuous efforts to instill noble Islamic principles and encourage the community to memorize and interpret the meanings of the Holy Quran. This initiative aligns with the vision of the nation’s leadership in reinforcing the UAE’s role as a distinguished global center dedicated to promoting Quranic education and sciences.
The competition’s main goal is to inspire all members of society—citizens and residents, men and women—to enhance their Quran memorization skills, recitation proficiency, and mastery of Tajweed rules. The framework emphasizes the precision of memorization, vocal performance, and accuracy, fostering an atmosphere of healthy and structured competition.
The initial stage of the event recorded a remarkable response, with more than 1,660 participants from all over the UAE, including 868 men and 798 women. Of these, 1,514 individuals—comprising 793 men and 721 women—qualified under the eligibility requirements, representing 52% male and 48% female contestants. The participants came from 55 nationalities, led by Emiratis with 1,028 participants, followed by contestants from Egypt, India, Pakistan, Syria, and several other countries, reflecting the UAE’s deep-rooted cultural diversity.
Ibrahim Jassim Al Mansoori, Acting Director of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, stated that the 2025 edition of the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Competition has experienced an outstanding level of participation, demonstrating its strong reputation and cherished status within the community. He highlighted that this enthusiasm underscores the continued interest among various age groups in taking part in Quranic initiatives supported by Her Highness, whose efforts have always aimed to recognize and empower the memorizers of the Holy Quran.
Al Mansoori also noted that the competition has implemented significant improvements in its evaluation procedures this year, introducing advanced technological tools for real-time assessment of memorization and recitation performance. This ensures objectivity, transparency, and provides each participant with an equitable environment to showcase their abilities effectively.
He concluded that the large-scale participation is proof of the success of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award and the Department’s ongoing mission to spread Quranic awareness within the community. It also highlights the positive impact of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum’s initiatives in nurturing Quranic projects and strengthening their spiritual value—further affirming Dubai’s pioneering position as a hub for Quranic scholarship and service.
