Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has honoured the winners of the inaugural Emirates International Holy Quran Award. The award was organised by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (AWQAF).
According to Emirates News Agency, the ceremony took place at the Majlis Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi and was attended by notable figures, including Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, as well as prominent scholars hosted by the President during Ramadan. Among the attendees were Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State; and other senior officials.
The event commenced with a Quran recitation by Ghaniya Ali Al-Azizi, followed by a film showcasing the UAE’s dedication to the Holy Quran. The film highlighted initiatives, including the establishment of Quranic centres, a legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It detailed the award’s categories and objectives and AWQAF’s role in organising the event.
Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei expressed gratitude to President Sheikh Mohamed for his patronage and emphasised the award’s significance in spreading Quranic teachings and honouring its memorisers. He praised the UAE’s leadership for their support, which has enabled AWQAF to achieve its goals. Al Darei also extended appreciation to Sheikh Khaled for attending and honouring the winners, encouraging them to embody the Quran’s values.
The ceremony celebrated winners who excelled in Quranic competitions globally in 2024, representing countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania, Palestine, and Nigeria. In the local category, winners hailed from the UAE, Bangladesh, Egypt, Syria, and Mauritania.
Additionally, Mona Abdulqader Salem AlGhassani was honoured for her 20 years of service in promoting the Holy Quran, and the Emirates Red Crescent was recognised as a supporting entity of the award. The event concluded with a group photo to be preserved in the award’s archives for future generations.
