Sheikh Rashid Quran Competition Sees Record Student Participation

The Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Quran Competition is witnessing unprecedented participation this year, with 1,700 students from 45 public and private schools in Dubai registered to showcase their Quran memorization and recitation skills. Organized under the Ghiras Al-Khair initiative, the competition reflects Dubai’s strong commitment to nurturing a Quranic generation deeply connected to Islamic values and national identity.

Schools across Dubai have shown remarkable engagement with the Sheikh Rashid Quran Competition, with teachers dedicating extensive effort to prepare students for the event. The competition encourages students to develop Quran memorization and recitation skills while promoting a spirit of healthy competition. Parents have actively supported the initiative, demonstrating Emirati families’ dedication to fostering a love for the Quran among children.

Due to overwhelming interest, the Dubai Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities announced an extension of the Sheikh Rashid Quran Competition registration until November 10, 2025. This extension allows more students to join the initiative, which aims to solidify the position of the Quran in students’ lives and instill lifelong Islamic values.

Abdullah Abubakr Baslaa, the competition’s official coordinator, emphasized that the strong turnout reflects the emotional and cultural connection of the Emirati community with the Quran. He highlighted that the competition has continuously evolved since its first edition, enhancing judging standards and performance mechanisms to ensure excellence while fostering Islamic values among young generations.

“The positive engagement from schools, parents, and students confirms that this competition is now a highly anticipated annual event that builds a Quranic generation aware of its religious and national identity,” Baslaa said.

The Sheikh Rashid Quran Competition will hold its final rounds in January 2026, with participants competing in four main categories: Quran Memorization, Most Beautiful Recitation for Emirati Citizens, Memorization of Tajweed Texts, and Memorization of Scientific Texts. The competition accommodates students from Grade 1 to Grade 12, and includes a special category for people of determination with intellectual disabilities, reflecting Dubai’s focus on educational inclusion.

The competition encourages students to hone their Quran memorization and recitation skills while fostering confidence and moral development. By engaging students across all educational stages, the initiative reinforces Dubai’s vision of creating a cohesive society grounded in Islamic values and promotes the emirate as a global center for Quranic and educational excellence.

The success of the Sheikh Rashid Quran Competition is largely attributed to the collaboration between schools, teachers, and parents. Schools have actively integrated preparation for the competition into their curriculum, while parents provide continuous support at home, ensuring students can excel in Quran memorization and recitation.

Dubai’s leadership sees the competition as more than a contest—it is a platform for cultivating moral and spiritual growth in students. By participating in the Sheikh Rashid Quran Competition, students not only enhance their Quranic knowledge but also internalize values of discipline, dedication, and faith.

Dubai’s commitment to Quranic education through initiatives like the Sheikh Rashid Quran Competition positions the city as a leading hub for Islamic learning. The competition attracts attention from educators and students across the Gulf region, reflecting the emirate’s influence in promoting Islamic values, education, and inclusion.

Through this competition, Dubai continues to strengthen its cultural and educational leadership, inspiring other countries to develop similar initiatives that foster youth engagement with the Quran and promote moral development on a global scale.

The Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Quran Competition stands as a symbol of Dubai’s dedication to Quranic education, youth development, and Islamic values. With 1,700 students registered and the final rounds approaching in January 2026, the initiative underscores the emirate’s vision of building a Quranic generation committed to faith, knowledge, and national identity.