Ibrahim bu Melha, Adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs, and Head of the DIHQA Organising Committee, said the initial qualifying tests are to be first held in Al Ain city, KT reported.
"The annual contest, gaining popularity in all emirates across the country, is to see 426 contestants this year as compared to 340 in 2014.
The participants are competing in seven branches spanning the memorisation of the Holy Quran in full, 20 parts, 10 parts, five parts for residents below 10 years old, and finally three parts for Emiratis below 10, he explained.
The contest, previously known as is a branch of the 11-category Dubai International Holy Quran Award has been branched out into seven categories.
Bu Melha said the competitors in the first category need to memorise the Quran in full (30 parts) whereas only Emiratis may compete in the 20-part, 10-part and 5-part categories. "Residents up to 10 years may compete in 5-part section while Emiratis up to 10 may participate in the 3-part branch."
Full Quran memorisers who participated in a previous local contest, may compete in the 7th category which is for Qiraat or art of recitations - spanning the schools of Warsh, Qaloon, and Al Duri. "Residents up to 21 years old, who memorise the Quran in full, may also participate in this category while female contestants, with no age limit."
Bu Melha said Emiratis, men or women, of any age may participate in any of the seven categories, except the 6th one which is only open for memorisers up to 10 years old, however.
"The award was named after the wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in appreciation to her endless support."
Prof Mohammed Aldulrahim Sultanululama, member of the organising committee and head of the competitions unit, said five panels of arbitrators are to examine the participants.
The initial tests will be first held at the Suhail bin Uwaidha Al Khaili Quran Study Centre today while the contestants of Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah, will be examined from Jan 25 to 29, he added.
"The final examinations will be run for 10 days at the new headquarters of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award at Mamzar area for males and at the Women Renaissance Society for females."
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