wasl to sponsor Dubai International Holy Quran Award 2008

The annual awards, organised during the Holy Month of Ramadan, are presented for the meticulous rendition of the Holy Quran by rote.

The contest generates huge interest among the Islamic community worldwide and witnesses scores of young intellectuals competing for coveted rankings and prizes.

Every year, the first day of Ramadan marks the opening of the competition, which continues until the 20th day, and culminates with a well attended awards' ceremony.

The event draws the participation of contestants who are officially nominated by various countries and Islamic schools as fitting representatives of their communities.

The 11th edition of the awards last year attracted 85 participants of different nationalities.

Alya Al Mutawa, General Manager- Marketing and Corporate Communications, wasl, said:

"wasl is committed to furthering the UAE's cultural and religious activities while supporting community initiatives. In sponsoring the 12th annual Dubai International Holy Quran Award, we aim to reach out to the Islamic community and support the development of young Islamic scholars on their mission to memorise the Holy Book. The wasl initiative is in line with our core values that prioritizes people as one of its main pillars. We consider the sponsorship a great honour and we believe this solemn event will significantly contribute to the development and integration of our communities."

To qualify for the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, male contestants must be less than 21 years of age, and possess the ability to recite the entire Holy Quran from memory in Tajweed style. Previous participants are not eligible to enter into the competition this year.

In addition to the gold sponsorship of the award, wasl is an active torchbearer of various community-enriching activities.

The sponsorship of the Umrah trip to Mecca for members of the UAE Disabled Sports Federation, and the funding of a group of students to The Young Entrepreneur Competition during Careers UAE 2008, are some of wasl's recent initiatives as part of its CSR agenda.