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UAE President presents Sheikh Mohammed the first-ever Emirates International Holy Quran award
The Dubai Ruler was commended for his dedicated service to the Holy Quran, his efforts in honouring its reciters, publishing copies of the Book, supporting Quranic competitions, and promoting the Arabic language in society
- PUBLISHED: Wed 5 Mar 2025, 11:19 AM
- By:
- WAM
During the iftar gathering on Monday, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed commended the initiatives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and his efforts in promoting human values inspired by the principles of Islam.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s remarks came as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was named the first-ever recipient of the Emirates International Holy Quran Award – Personality of the Year for 2025, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Holy Quran and its reciters both locally and globally.
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The President presented Sheikh Mohammed with a special edition of the Mushaf of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with a framed photograph of the two leaders with the late Sheikh Zayed, and a signed letter expressing his appreciation for Sheikh Mohammed’s dedicated service to the Holy Quran, his efforts in honouring its reciters, publishing copies of the Quran, supporting Quranic competitions, and promoting the Arabic language in society.
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During their meeting at Sheikh Zayed’s farm in Al Khawaneej, Sheikh Mohamed highlighted Dubai Ruler’s role in driving the nation’s progress and supporting the development of its people. He described his contributions as a defining feature of the UAE’s journey and noted that his humanitarian and cultural initiatives serve as an inspiration for human advancement and prosperity.
Sheikh Mohammed has made outstanding contributions to the service of the Holy Quran, most notably through the Dubai International Quran Award, which encompasses several key initiatives, including:
Islamic Personality of the Year Award
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mushaf
Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Quranic Manuscripts
International Quran Competition
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak International Quran Competition for Women
Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Quran Competition
Most Beautiful Recitation Competition
National Quran Memorisation Competition
Quran Memorisation Programme for Inmates in Correctional Facilities in Dubai
Quranic lectures, seminars, and research studies; and
Qira’at (Recitations) teaching programmes
Additionally, he established the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Printing the Holy Quran and has played a leading role in the development of Quranic institutions and academies.
The inaugural edition of the Emirates International Holy Quran Award was launched by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of the UAE President, reflecting his commitment to supporting the Quran at both local and international levels. The award also reinforces the UAE’s dedication to nurturing national talents, supporting those who memorise and recite the Quran, and recognising outstanding global figures in the field.
In its inaugural edition, the award comprises three main sections:
1. International First Place Quran Award – This section involves preliminary and final rounds based on rigorous criteria, with 10 male and female contestants receiving recognition this year for achieving top positions in international competitions.
2. National First Place Quran Award – This section highlights national talents across all emirates. In its 2024 cycle, it included eight subcategories, with 86 participants emerging as winners nationwide.
3. First International Quran Award and Honouring of a Global Quranic Personality – This section honours a distinguished Quranic figure or an outstanding Quranic institution.