Under the generous patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) honoured 120 students at an award ceremony, recognising their achievements as winners in the Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Quran Competition for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The award ceremony, held at Zayed University, was attended by His Excellency Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of IACAD, Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, along with representatives from participating schools and the students' families.
The Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Quran Competition for school students in Dubai encourages students of all ages to memorise, recite, and understand the Holy Quran. It is part of the "Ghiras Al Khair" initiative, which aims to promote Islamic values, the Arabic language, and national identity among the younger generation.
Ongoing collaboration
On this occasion, His Excellency Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of IACAD, said: "This competition is a result of the strong collaboration between IACAD and KHDA, embodying the spirit of the twinning agreement between both entities, and highlighting our shared commitment to societal development.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the students who participated, especially the winners, for their dedication and positive engagement throughout the competition’s various stages. This event underscores the vital role of preserving the Quran, promoting Islamic values, and reinforcing our national identity. It also highlights the essential contributions of teachers and staff from the Maktoum Holy Quran and Sciences Centres, whose efforts are a powerful inspiration in fostering a competitive environment that motivates students to excel in Quran memorisation and recitation." This year’s competition witnessed the participation of 1,104 students, both male and female, representing 32 private schools in Dubai that offer a wide range of educational curricula. The strong turnout at the competition highlights the cultural diversity among participants, who represent 41 different nationalities.
The competition saw strong participation across various grade levels, with the largest group coming from grades one to four, which had 472 students. This was followed by 415 students from grades five to eight, and 217 students from grades nine to twelve. The competition serves as an excellent platform for cultural exchange and the promotion of Islamic values among younger generations. It also featured the participation of xx Emirati students across its various branches and academic stages, in addition to XX students with determination.
A good role model
Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, said, “Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students from various schools who have excelled in memorising the Holy Quran. These students, representing different ages and backgrounds, have become ambassadors of Islamic values, setting a positive example for their peers.
We extend our gratitude to everyone involved in the Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Holy Quran Competition, including the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, school coordinators, and teachers, for their efforts in instilling positive values within our diverse educational community. We also appreciate the strong support of parents, whose dedication to nurturing their children's skills in memorising and reciting the Quran plays a vital role in fostering a generation grounded in moral integrity and tolerance.”
IACAD and KHDA’s partnership focuses on exchanging knowledge and experiences, as well as promoting Islamic cultural activities and events in educational institutions across the emirate, while instilling Islamic values among school students in Dubai.
The Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Quran Competition for school students in Dubai is an annual event that will continue to support the UAE’s educational and cultural objectives, providing a platform for students to showcase their commitment to learning and preserving the Holy Quran’s teachings.