(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The door is now open for Emiratis, men and women, old and young, to participate in the 13th edition of the 'UAE National Memorizer Contest', locally known as 'Al Hafez Al Muwaten' competition.
A top official with the Dubai International Holy Quran Award on Monday told Khaleej times that applications from only Emirati full Quran memorisers shall be accepted over 26 days starting from August 28 to September 22. Ibrahim Mohammed Bu Melha, Adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs and Head of the Award Organising Committee said that initial qualifying tests will kick off 12 days later on Oct 04. "All male and female Emiratis who competently memorise the Holy Quran in full are eligible for competing in the contest which is main branch of the 14-category Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA)." The contest, held under the sponsorship of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is aimed to encourage Emirati nationals to fully memorise the Holy Quran, he added. "The programme, outstandingly fruiting, has produced an elite group of Emirati Quran memorisers who compete in local contests and efficiently represent the country in international competitions." Noting, he said that having a problem nominating a national memoriser for a Quran contest abroad has become history by virtue of this wonderful programme which is expected to see more male and female competitors due to the lucrative awards. "Only Emiratis can participate in the contest, and all applicants need to memorise the Holy Quran in full, have not participated in any of the DIHQA earlier 20 editions, or have been honoured as one of the top ten winners in any of this contest previous editions." Elaborating, he said that competitors have to submit all the credentials required, spanning a copy of birth certificate or register, passport, and Emirates ID. "The organising committee can be reached for further inquiries by phone at (04-2610666)." A special form has to be filled in online at the Award website (www.quran.gov.ae), or collected in person from the Competitions Unit from DIHQA headquarters at Al Mamzar area, from 8.30am to 1pm, and from 5pm to 8.30 - Saturdays to Wednesdays, he stated. "The top ten winners, scoring 80 per cent and above, will be granted Dh30,000, Dh29,000, Dh28,000, Dh27,000, Dh26,000, Dh25,000, Dh24,000, Dh23,000, Dh22,000, Dh21,000, in a row." The memorisers, obtaining 70 to 79 per cent will go with Dh10,000 while those scoring below 70 per cent will be gifted Dh5,000, apart from appreciation certificates for all participants, he explained.
Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt, I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here, I worked as an English language instructor, chief En/Ar translator, proofreader, reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter, correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media, Cairo University, 2014, a bachelor degree in English language and translation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1996, and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation, interpretation, EFL instruction, and reporting. I am interested in technology, aviation, politics, as well as community, parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading, writing, exercising, and surfing the web.