(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) After 12 straight nights of tests, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (Dihqa) announced the top ten winners of the 23rd edition at the Dubai Chamber late on Sunday.
The concluding ceremony saw the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation and the National Olympic Committee, senior officials, dignitaries, sponsors and members of the public.
Ibrahim Mohammed Bu Melha, adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs and Dihqa chairman, said 23-year-old Muath Mahmoud Amir Bin Hamid of Libya, won the top position and got a prize money of Dh250,000.
"Both Ahmed Achiri of Morocco and Ibrahim Maazou of Niger ranked second, and were presented with a prize money of Dh200,000."
The other top seven included Ahmed Bashir Aden, USA (4th), Aymen Brahem, Tunisia (5th), Omar Ahmad Hasan Aga (6th), Syria, Abdelaziz Choukri, Algeria (7th), Ahmed Mohamed Ibrahim, Kenya (7th), Abdulla Khalifa Ebrahim Khalifa Hamdan, Bahrain(7th), and Alsawi Abdullah Ahmad, Saudi Arabia (7th), he added.
"The 4th, 5th, and 6th winners received Dh65,000, Dh60,000, and Dh55,000 while the remaining four winners got Dh50,000 as they all ranked seventh scoring the same marks."
The contestants, who scored (80 per cent) and above, were rewarded with Dh30,000 each while those scoring (70-79 per cent), received Dh25,000 each, and those scoring less than (70 per cent) got Dh20,000 each. Appreciation certificates and cash prizes were also given to other participants.
Bu Melha said the award, which started with two sections in 1997, has branched out to 14 categories.
"Full Quran memorisers from over 160 countries have chipped in the award over its 23-year procession, he added. "The award has become a leading hub for male and female Quran memorisers from across the globe."
The award has also given accolades to Islamic personalities, including leaders, scholars, and entities in appreciation to their dedication and remarkable services to Islam and Muslims, he stated.
Bu Melha advised the winners to implement whatever they memorised and turn it into a reality. "Mull over Quran verses, reflect and observe its ethics and principles, set a shiny example for others, and feature the tolerance of Islam and its refined teachings to mercifully and wisely call for Islam."
AhmedShaaban
Originally from Egypt, I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here, I worked as an English language instructor, chief En/Ar translator, proofreader, reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter, correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media, Cairo University, 2014, a bachelor degree in English language and translation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1996, and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation, interpretation, EFL instruction, and reporting. I am interested in technology, aviation, politics, as well as community, parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading, writing, exercising, and surfing the web.
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