Registration for beautiful Quran recitation contest opens

Some of the participants of last year’s ‘Most Beautiful Quran Recitation’ contest. — Supplied photo

Dubai — Age is no bar for participating in the 9th edition of the ‘Most Beautiful Quran Recitation’ contest, the registration for which is now open. The five-category annual competition, which is part of the 11-category Dubai International Holy Quran Award, will be held at the award’s new premises at Al Mamzar area, Dubai.

Head of organising committee Ibrahim Bu Melha, who is also adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs, said the contest is aimed at discovering, sponsoring and promoting Quran recitation talents.

“Children aged 15 or below may participate in the first category, ‘Quran Buds’; while the second, ‘Quran Youngsters’, is open to those aged between 15 and 25 years; and the third category, ‘Quran Youth’, is for those aged over 26 years.”

There are two further categories: One for mosque Imams and another for the most tuneful Azan (call for prayers), he added. “The contest is increasingly gaining popularity and saw 432 participants in all categories last year.”

Professor Mohammed Abdulraheem Sultan Al Ulama, head of the Competitions Unit, said applications for the contest will be accepted till April 16. The initial qualifying tests will be held on April 26. “Up to 10 nominees in each of the five categories will be promoted to the final round to run on May 10-14.”

The application forms are available online at the Dubai International Holy Quran Award website, or they may be collected in person from the award’s new headquarters from 8.30am to 1pm, and from 5pm to 8.30pm from Saturday to Wednesday.

Prof Al Ulama said participants will be informed about the tests via SMS. “The first three winners in the first category will be gifted Dh10,000, Dh7,000 and Dh5,000 respectively; while the best three in the second category will be presented with Dh15,000, Dh10,000 and Dh7,000. As for the third category, the top three contestants will be given Dh20,000, Dh15,000 and Dh10,000.”

In the Imams category, the top three will be awarded Dh30,000, Dh25,000 and Dh20,000; while the top three Muazzins will win Dh25,000, Dh20,000 and Dh15,000. -ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com