Dubai: The Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA) concluded on Tuesday night with the final six of the 78 finalists taking the stage.

The 11-day contest, held every Ramadan, took place at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry at 10.30pm after the long Taraweeh night prayers.

Ebrahim Bu Melha, Adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs, said memorisers representing Italy and Pakistan did not show up although they had confirmed participation in the current 18th edition of DIHQA.

Meanwhile, seven contestants were disqualified for poor performance this year.

The winners will be awarded during the closing ceremony on Friday night at the Cultural and Scientific Association in Al Mamzar.

The first winner will be awarded Dh250,000, the second will be given Dh200,000, and the third Dh150,000. Other runners-up also receive sizeable cash awards.

Also honoured will be Dr Ahmad Al Tayyeb, the Grand Mufti of Al Azhar institution in Egypt, who was named Islamic Personality of the Year by DIHQA, added Bu Melha, who also chairs the DIHQA organising committee.

Al Tayyeb will be awarded Dh1 million as part of the award.

The 12-category global contest is organised under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The final night of the contest saw the presence of Islamic personalities, dignitaries and diplomats.