As part of its preparations for the Holy Month of Ramadan 2026, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) has announced the launch of the “Dubai Reciters” initiative—one of its flagship Ramadan programs—aimed at enriching the spiritual experience in mosques across the emirate as part of the Ramadan Season.
The initiative seeks to enhance the devotional atmosphere by hosting a distinguished selection of highly skilled reciters known for their melodious voices and mastery of Qur’anic recitation during Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers in prominent mosques, including Hind bint Maktoum Mosque, Sheikha bint Saeed bin Sulaiman Mosque, and Al Khawaneej Grand Mosque. The initiative creates an atmosphere filled with humility and serenity, reinforcing the mosque’s role as a gathering place for families during the blessed nights of Ramadan.
The program contributes to strengthening the Ramadan ambiance by offering an integrated worship experience where tranquility meets devotion. Through the distribution of reciters across various mosques in Dubai, worshippers of all age groups are given the opportunity to experience the spiritual blessings of the holy month in a faith-centered environment that restores the mosque’s pivotal role as a place of peace and family connection.
H.E. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of the Department, affirmed that the “Dubai Reciters” initiative represents a key strategic pathway adopted by the Department to elevate the role of mosques and strengthen their community presence during Ramadan. He noted that the initiative stems from a comprehensive vision that views the mosque as a cornerstone for human development, family cohesion, and the reinforcement of authentic Emirati identity.
His Excellency further explained that the initiative builds upon the “Localization of the Minbar” and “Imam of the Neighborhood” programs, while also leveraging promising talents from students of the Maktoum Centers for the Holy Qur’an. By selecting and empowering outstanding local voices and enhancing their presence in mosques across the emirate, the initiative contributes to preparing a qualified generation of reciters, encouraging them to confidently step forward in leading prayers, and promoting sustainability in national religious competencies.
For his part, Mohammed Musabeh Dahi, CEO of the Charitable Work Sector and General Coordinator of the initiative, stated that “Dubai Reciters” is founded on precise technical standards in selecting reciters, including performance quality, mastery of Tajweed rules, and vocal excellence—ensuring a distinguished Ramadan experience that reflects the sanctity of time and place and enhances worshippers’ spiritual engagement.
He added that the initiative is implemented through a comprehensive operational plan that ensures the organized distribution of reciters across targeted mosques and the provision of a supportive environment. He emphasized that the focus extends beyond the spiritual dimension to strengthening the mosque’s role as a vibrant community center that embraces families, fosters role models, and promotes positive interaction between imams and worshippers.
The “Dubai Reciters” initiative complements a broader package of faith-based and community programs implemented by the Department during the holy month, including youth-oriented initiatives such as “Ayal Al Freej.” Together, these efforts contribute to nurturing a generation closely connected to the mosque and pave the way for activating initiatives such as “Imam of the Neighborhood,” “Muezzin of the Neighborhood,” and “Localization of the Minbar,” while reinforcing the values of role modeling, belonging, and social cohesion