Dubai Quran contest ends; 80 contestants mesmerise

The 18th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (Dihqa) concluded last night and all 80 contestants have been evaluated.

Ibrahim Bu Melha, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Dihqa, said: “The concluding ceremony (of the award) will be held at the Cultural and Scientific Association on July 18.”

The 12-category global contest is organised every Ramadan under the generous patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The 10th day of the contest — co-sponsored by the Dubai Community Development Authority, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Al Madani Group of companies, and Al Barajeel Media Company — saw a large number of renowned Islamic personalities, consuls, diplomats and dignitaries.

Peter Brown, US Consul in Dubai, said he was “happy” to attend the sessions of the award for the first time. The remarkable recitation of Mohammed Arif, who represents the USA in the contest, left the audience “awestruck”, he said.

Bakyt Tungatarov, Consul of Kyrgyzstan in Dubai, said his country has participated in all the 18 editions of the award. Kyrgyz citizens are 90 per cent Muslims, he added.

Ali Abdullah, Second Adviser to the Embassy of Senegal in Abu Dhabi, said this is the third time he has attended the contest. “The people and government of Senegal support the memorisation of the Quran.”

Senegal also has participated in all of Dihqa’s 18 editions. “It is really miraculous to listen to the perfect recitation of a Quran memoriser who does not speak or understand a single Arabic word but has learnt the full Quran by heart.”

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com