This comes days after Abu Dhabi extended maternity leave to 90 days for Emirati women working in the private sector
While UAE residents are eagerly anticipating the holy month of Ramadan, 11 popular Quran reciters from Arab countries are to spiritually uplift the faithful with their serine and beautiful recitation, as part of the Quraa 'Reciters' Dubai programme.
These include Saad Al Ghamidi, KSA, Adel Rayan, KSA, Sheikh Abu Bakr Al Shatiri, KSA, Mashari Rashid Al Afasi, Kuwait, Ahmed Al Nafees, Kuwait, Mohamed Mubarak, Bahrain, as well as Abdullah Abdurrahman Al Ubaidali, Lebanon, Nabeel Al Refaei, Lebanon.
Sheikh Mansoor Al Zahrani and Nasser Al Qattami are also to lead Muslims in the Taraweeh Prayer at the Grand Rashidiya Mosque opposite the Dubai International Airport.
The fourth edition of the interesting scheme was initiated three years back by the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai (DISCAD) under the generous sponsorship of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Thousands of faithful, men and women, from all emirates used to flock to the major mosque form the very first day of previous Ramadans to enjoy the tuneful recitation of the eminent imams.
Dr Omar Al Khatib, Executive Director for Islamic Affairs - DISCAD, said the fourth edition of the programme is seeing more Emirati imams as was the case last year, along with other from Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Yemen, and Morocco.
"The 11 imams, picked as per a public survey, are to lead people in the Taraweeh prayers, mostly for two days each, let alone the Qiyam or late night prayers in the last blessed ten days of Ramadan."
The programme, gaining popularity, saw over 10,000 people last year, he told Khaleej Times. "The number is expected to exceed 15,000 this year, particularly with the newly installed tents for men and women."
Dr Omar Al Khatib, Executive Director for Islamic Affairs - IACAD, said more details are to be announced in a press conference next week on the names and schedule of the imams.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
This comes days after Abu Dhabi extended maternity leave to 90 days for Emirati women working in the private sector
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