A quarter-century of devotion: The Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Holy Quran Competition marks its 27th year with record participation

Nearly 2,750 participants from across the UAE have engaged with one of the emirates' most cherished Quranic initiatives, reflecting a profound commitment to memorisation, recitation and the deepening of Islamic learning across generations.

The Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Holy Quran Competition has concluded its 27th edition as a testament to the enduring appeal of Quranic learning within the community. With 2,750 male and female participants representing a 58% increase from the previous year, the competition has grown into an anticipated annual event that draws families from across the Emirates, regardless of nationality or background.

The competition, organised by the Dubai International Holy Quran Award and affiliated with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, reflects the sustained patronage of H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum. Her generous support has established what Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, describes as a foundation for what he terms a sustainable Quranic journey that has become deeply embedded within Emirati family life.

The gender balance speaks to the competition’s inclusive reach. The 27th edition welcomed 1,357 female participants, accounting for 51.6% of the total, whilst 1,273 male participants made up 48.4%. Emirati citizens comprised the largest cohort, with 1,944 participants representing 74% of those who registered, though residents of various nationalities from across the UAE also took part in significant numbers.

The breadth of categories reflects an understanding that Quranic engagement exists across a spectrum of commitment and ability. The Juz Amma memorisation category, the shortest and most accessible memorisation track, drew the highest number of registrations with 947 participants, roughly 36% of the total. The three-part memorisation category followed with 367 participants, whilst the Best Voice category attracted 357. For those pursuing more advanced memorisation, the 20-part category drew 289 participants, full memorisation of the Holy Quran engaged 234, the five-part category included 216 participants, and the ten-part category saw 88 registrations. Beyond these traditional tracks, the competition has developed dedicated streams for senior Emirati citizens and new Muslims, extending its reach across life stages and backgrounds.

Al Muhairi reflected on what these numbers signify for the community. The growing participation, he noted, demonstrates the value of investing in Quranic programmes as a means of developing individuals, reinforcing values and identity, and strengthening family cohesion. Dr. Ali Hassan Al Marzouqi, Director of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, emphasised that strong participation in introductory memorisation levels highlights the importance of providing encouraging starting points for those beginning their Quranic journey, whilst uptake in advanced categories demonstrates a genuine community commitment to deeper engagement with the text.

Winners across all categories will be honoured during the forthcoming holy month of Ramadan, a recognition that serves both as acknowledgement of their achievements and as inspiration for continued dedication to Quranic study. The ceremony, according to Dr. Al Marzouqi, aims to incentivise all participants to persist in their journey with the Book of Allah.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The 27th edition of the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Holy Quran Competition underscores the centrality of Islamic learning initiatives within the social fabric of the UAE. The substantial year-on-year growth in participation, coupled with the consistent gender and demographic balance, indicates that Quranic education has become a meaningful focal point for families across the emirates seeking to transmit values, strengthen identity and foster spiritual development. The competition’s expansion of categories and dedicated tracks for different age groups and ability levels demonstrates a maturing institutional approach to inclusive community engagement.

The initiative also reflects a broader vision of cultural and religious continuity within the Emirates. By sustaining this competition across 27 editions and continuously refining its structure to accommodate diverse needs, the organisers have created a space where both citizens and residents can participate in an activity of profound spiritual significance. This inclusive framework, combined with the prominent patronage of H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum, signals an institutional commitment to nurturing Islamic scholarship and practice not as a peripheral activity but as central to the life of the community.

Source: WAM