Honouring the Winners of the First Edition of the Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor initiative for safeguarding the Arabic Language
11 May 2025, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Founder and Patron of the Arabic Language Initiative, honoured a distinguished group of students from Emirates International School – Jumeirah and Meadows campuses, who were the winners of the initiative’s first edition. The ceremony took place at the Al Habtoor Group head office in the presence of parents, the judging panel, and representatives from both campuses of Emirates International School.
This initiative was launched in collaboration between the Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre and Emirates International School. It is an extension of the competition introduced by Khalaf Al Habtoor in September 2024 during the annual celebration of the Al Habtoor Research Centre in Cairo. The initiative aims to promote the Arabic language among younger generations, encouraging them to embrace their identity and take pride in their cultural and religious heritage.
During his speech at the ceremony, Al Habtoor spoke about the initiative, describing it as a reflection of his deep and ongoing commitment to education and the Arabic language. “Arabic is the foundation of who we are,” he said. “It’s a precious part of our heritage that we must pass on to our children with pride and respect. Teaching them the Holy Quran, the Sunnah, and the Arabic literature is key to raising a generation that cherishes its roots and holds firmly to its values.”
The initiative included three main categories: the Holy Qur’an, the Sunnah, and Arabic Literature. The entries were judged by a panel comprising Sheikh Dr Fares Al Mustafa (Chair), Sheikh Abdulrahman Darwish Al Marzouqi (Member), and Rashid Rafei (Secretary).
Abdul Salam Mahmoud Al Marzouqi, General Manager of the Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre, praised Khalaf Al Habtoor’s vision in supporting the Arabic language, stating: “This initiative was born from a renewed vision and Mr Al Habtoor’s unwavering commitment to making Arabic a central pillar in shaping the character of our children. What was once an idea has now become a living reality, bearing fruit in the form of promising student talents.”
In turn, Sheikh Dr Fares Al Mustafa expressed his deep appreciation for Khalaf Al Habtoor’s continuous support for education and values, highlighting the initiative’s powerful impact in reinforcing the Arabic language in the hearts of future generations.
The ceremony featured beautiful recitations from the Holy Qur’an, selected Hadiths, and poetry performances by the winning students, drawn from the finest examples of Arabic literature. The event concluded with the recognition of winners, judging panel members, and participating schools, along with commemorative photographs capturing these special moments. Emphasis was placed on the importance of continued collective efforts to support and elevate the Arabic language in the minds of younger generations, with hopes that similar initiatives will continue to flourish.
The results were as follows:
Holy Qur’an – Five Parts
• First Place: Rinad Al Khodr
• Second Place: Tia Nasr Al-Din Oqasha
Holy Qur’an – Three Parts
• First Place: Alia Abdullah
Holy Qur’an – One Part
• First Place: Mikayil Bilal Bauja
• Second Place: Emma Nasr Al-Din
• Third Place: Ghazal Nabhan
Holy Qur’an – Selected Surahs
• First Place: Fares Morsi
• Joint First Place: Haya Hani Selim
• Second Place: Raya Hawari
• Third Place: Saad Sayed
Sunnah
• First Place: Lin Murad
• Joint First Place: Hania Mohamed Kamal
• Second Place: Haroun Islam Ahmed
• Joint Second Place: Sami Shaheen
• Third Place: Habiba Noufal
Arabic Literature – Mu‘allaqat Poetry
• First Place: Layla Moulawi
• Second Place: Karma Mohamed
• Joint Second Place: Lia Al Khalili
• Third Place: Mariam Rashed
• Joint Third Place: Salma Abu Daqr
Arabic Literature – Selected Poets
• First Place: Hala Nabhan
• Joint First Place: Ghazal Nabhan
• Second Place: Aya Al Filali
• Joint Second Place: Lin Murad
• Third Place: Jude Mohamed Moammar
• Joint Third Place: Roula Shahimi
Arabic Literature – Poetry of Osha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi
• First Place: Noura Beljafla
• Second Place: Abdullah Issa
• Joint Second Place: Issa Suhail
• Third Place: Mariam Al Muhairi
