The 25th edition of the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Quran Competition for the year 1446H/2025, organized by the Dubai International Quran Award under the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, has commenced. The competition began with inspiring atmosphere of faith and intense competition, featuring a distinguished group of male and female memorizers of the Quran from various nationalities and age groups, under the supervision of a specialized judging panel.
His Excellency Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai International Quran Award, stated: "The launch of the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Quran Competition coinciding with the launch of the 'Thank You, Sheikha Hind' initiative reminds us with pride and appreciation of the immense efforts that Her Highness exerts in supporting Quran memorizers and promoting the values of Islam, as well as Her Highness' deep commitment to serving the Quran and encouraging generations to memorize and reflect upon it. She has always been and remains the patron of all initiatives that elevate the status of Quran memorizers."
He added: "Her Highness Sheikha Hind has always been a symbol of giving and dedication in the service of the Quran, and her generous initiatives are a source of inspiration and motivation for the participants and the entire community. We witness the impact of this support through the remarkable performance of the participants who have prepared themselves seriously and sincerely for this honorable competition."
On his part, Ibrahim Jassim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Judging Committee for the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Quran Competition, pointed out that the judging committee operates according to precise and comprehensive criteria to ensure fair evaluation for all participants. He explained that the performance levels witnessed on the first day reflect the significant efforts exerted by the contestants in preparation for the competition, and that the second day of the competition will see greater challenges as participants prepare to showcase their memorization skills in front of the judging panels, with the male participants competing at the Dubai International Quran Award building and the female participants at the Al-Nahda Women’s Association.
In the male category, Muhammad Saber Abdel-Shafi Muhammad Abu Al-Izz from Egypt participated in the "Fifth End" category, representing the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in Abu Dhabi, alongside Suf Ali Omar Abdullah Salem and Muhammad Tariq Abdullah Halabi Al-Hadrami from the United Arab Emirates in the "Sixth End" and "Third End" categories. Additionally, Mohammad Jaber Ahmed Shakeel Muhammad Badreddine from Bangladesh participated in the "First" category, representing the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in Al-Ain.
In the female category, Amina Ali Ahmed Ali Al-Hamadi participated in the "Third End" category, nominated by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in Abu Dhabi, along with Khaloud Mohammad Zohair Al-Basha from Syria, who represents the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in Fujairah. Furthermore, contestant Amina Sif Islam Ahmed Babakir from Sudan participated in the "First" category, nominated by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in Abu Dhabi.