The United Arab Emirates is set to launch the prestigious “Emirates International Holy Quran Award” in Abu Dhabi, under the esteemed patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed. This significant event will coincide with the holy month of Ramadan, during which the country will also host approximately 20 international scholars as part of the “President’s Guests Programme.” The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat announced these initiatives during a media briefing at their Abu Dhabi headquarters. The award comprises three distinct categories: International Top Winners, National Top Winners, and the Emirates Quranic Personality, recognizing first-place winners from global Quranic competitions held in 2024.

The Ramadan programme for guest scholars is designed to be comprehensive, spanning all emirates and featuring sermon lectures, Ramadan evenings, religious seminars, and humanitarian events. Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, outlined the authority’s five-axis plan for the year. This plan emphasizes mosque readiness, with over 700,000 sermons implemented and special Friday sermons allocated in preparation for Ramadan. The “Our Mosques, Fortress and Faith” program’s second session was launched in Sha’ban, delivering thousands of lessons across the country’s mosques through authority-published materials.

Additionally, the Authority has implemented an enriching scientific programme for mosque workers, focusing on fasting rulings. Several mosque-related projects were also revealed, including the ongoing “We Plant Our Mosques Campaign,” the inauguration of 54 new mosques nationwide, maintenance of 152 mosques, and the development of the “Harzat Platform” for reporting. These initiatives collectively demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to preserving Islamic heritage, fostering religious education, and enhancing mosque infrastructure throughout the nation.