(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) With seven contestants appearing for the final examination, the 20th Dubai International Holy Quran Awards (DIHQA) came to an end on Wednesday.
The seven contestants examined at the Dubai Chamber on the final day include Toufiq Abdelli (Algeria), Jasim Khalifa (Bahrain), Salim Alshuwaiea (Kuwai), Aung Htet Shine (Myanmar), Emran Faqiri (Afghanistan), Mahmoud Barake (Canada) and Anwar Shoaib (Australia). Ibrahim Mohammed Bu Melha, Adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs and Head of the Award Organising Committee, said the 14-category award has witnessed a stiff competition this year. "Raising the age limit has attracted more full Quran memorisers with exceptional performance." Ahmed Al Zahid, Member of the Organising Committee, said: "The most beautiful Recitation contest will be held today whereas the concluding ceremony is planned at the Cultural and Scientific Association in Al Mamzar area on Saturday at 10pm." So far 74 out of 81 full Quran memorisers have sat the final tests of the Quran competition. Othman Mohamed, a computer programmer with the Sierra Leone embassy in Saudi Arabia, who attended the award activities in Dubai, said: "Sierra Leone pays much attention to the memorisation of the Quran and thousands of young Muslims are learning at specialised centres." Ahmed Shaaban Master''s degree in Mass Media with 19 year experience in media and translation