A total of 1,700 students from 45 public and private schools across Dubai have registered for the second edition of the Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Quran Competition, a growing initiative under the “Ghiras Al-Khair” program. The competition is organized in partnership between the Dubai Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

The competition, which promotes Quran memorization and recitation among youth, has seen significant engagement from students, educators, and families. Participation has grown notably since its inaugural edition, prompting organizers to extend the registration deadline to November 10, 2025.

Officials attribute the increase in participation to strong collaboration between schools and parents, as well as the sustained efforts of teaching staff to prepare students for the various stages of the competition. The initiative aims to develop memorization skills, elevate recitation standards, and foster a spirit of constructive competition among young people in line with national values.

Abdullah Abubakr Baslaa, the competition’s coordinator, said the turnout reflects the deep-rooted connection between the Emirati community and the Quran. He noted that continuous improvements have been made to the competition’s framework to ensure fairness, raise performance standards, and expand its impact on youth development.

Final rounds of the competition are scheduled for January 2026 and will be held under the supervision of the Dubai Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities. Students will compete across four categories: Quran Memorization, Most Beautiful Recitation for Emirati Citizens, Memorization of Tajweed Texts, and Memorization of Scientific Texts. Participants range from Grade 1 through Grade 12, with a dedicated category for students with intellectual disabilities, underscoring the initiative’s inclusive approach.

The Department emphasized that the initiative supports Dubai’s broader educational and social goals by reinforcing religious and moral values and nurturing a generation anchored in both cultural identity and faith.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.