Ninety-six countries have so far confirmed their participation at the 21st Dubai International Holy Quran Award, (DIHQA), which will commence in the holy month of Ramadan.

The announcement has been made by Ibrahim Mohammed Bu Melha, adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs and head of organising committee, DIHQA.

The award will run from Ramadan 1 to 20 at the auditorium of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The DIHQA organising committee had earlier invited over 120 Islamic countries and foreign Islamic communities in Europe, America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia for participation in this year's award, he added.

"Aspirant participants need to memorise and recite the Holy Quran in full, and should not be over 25 years old at the time of the contest, which is unique in the number of contestants and financial rewards."

While Dh250,000 prizes await top winners, Dh200,000 and Dh150,000 will be given for the second and third ranks, Bu Melha added.

"Prizes worth Dh350,000 shall be gifted to winners from the fourth to 10th rank based on their performance and scores while cash prizes up to Dh2 million will be presented to the rest of contestants, starting from the 11th to the final position."

"A special prize money will be given to the Quran memorisers with most beautiful recitation; a contest that is widely followed up for local, regional and international audience."

Prof Dr Mohammed Abdulrahim Sultan Alolama, Member of the DIHQA organising committee and head of the competitions unit, said: "The competitions unit has already decided on the international arbitrators to judge the award."

"The award organising committee can be also reached by e-mail at quran@eim.ae, or on the phone at 04-2610666," he added.

More details on the award are available on (www.quran.gov.ae).