As part of its strategy to enhance the role of mosques as spiritual and social centers close to the community, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai launched this year's "Dubai Readers" initiative, with a particular focus on activating its pioneering initiatives such as "Localizing the Pulpit," "Imam Al Freej," and "Muezzin Al Freej." These initiatives aim to meet the religious needs of the community through qualified national cadres.
In line with this direction, this year, the "Dubai Readers" initiative was connected to various mosques in residential neighborhoods under the name of "Masajid Al-Furjan," ensuring that every worshipper can access the closest mosque and enjoy the finest voices and most beautiful recitations, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere during the blessed nights of Ramadan.
According to official statistics, the initiative recorded the attendance of more than 210,000 worshippers during the first week of the blessed month of Ramadan. The readers were distributed across 41 targeted areas, including 8 main mosques, 62 sub-mosques in residential neighborhoods, and 70 mosques within the "Localizing the Pulpit" initiative. The initiative Al-Freej” initiative, 31 imams in the "Imam Al-Freej" initiative, and 25 preachers in the "Localizing the Pulpit" initiative.
At the community participation level, the initiative saw the involvement of 29 readers from citizens, 21 students from the Maktoum Centers Administration and the Islamic Institutions Administration, in addition to 5 readers from within the department and 2 from outside, reflecting the strong interaction with the initiative.
Mohammed Mosbah Dahi, Executive Director of the Charitable Work Sector and General Coordinator of the “Ramadan in Dubai” initiative, stated that "Dubai Readers" is part of "Ramadan in Dubai," the annual initiative eagerly anticipated by all. He said: "These numbers reflect the success of the initiative in reaching the community through mosques close to residential neighborhoods, ensuring every worshipper a unique spiritual experience with humble recitations and an atmosphere filled with tranquility."
The success of "Dubai Readers" in its first week reflects new record-breaking figures, underscoring its pivotal role in activating the role of mosques, enhancing community cohesion, and reinforcing the department's role within its strategy of being "Closer to the Community.