The renowned Dubai International Holy Quran Award (Dihqa) is for the first time launching an all new award for female contestants only.

The promising Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak International Holy Quran Award dedicated for girls only is scheduled to begin in November this year according to a top official.

Ibrahim Mohammed Bu Melha Head of Dihqa Organising Committee said the award has been named after Shaikh Fatima the wife of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in appreciation for her commitment to the service of the Holy Quran and its memorisers.

"A large number of female Quran memorisers from across the Arab and Islamic countries and foreign communities all over the world are expected to participate in the award."

Meanwhile the organising committee is all set for the 20th edition of the 13-branch Dubai International Holy Quran Award which saw around 80 Quran memorisers worldwide.

Bu Melha who is also an Adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs said they keep developing the award which has grown from only two sections to 13 now.

"Introducing Quran text in the software of the electronic arbitration system has helped the arbitrators easily observe and follow the contestants' performance without referring to the printed copy of the Quran."

Ahmed Al Zahid head of Dihqa media unit said the 20th edition of award will also see some2 diverse lectures all over the holy month of Ramadan at 10:30pm every night after the Taraweeh Prayer.

"An elite group of prominent scholars from around the Islamic world are to deliver valuable lectures mostly on the benefits of fasting scientific miracles in the holy Quran and other contemporary issues."

More details will soon be available on Dihqa website (http://www.quran.gov.ae) by e-mail at () on mob: (050-5963366) and phone: (04-2610666).

"The award activities can also be watched live on the award website or followed on twitter (quran_award) Instagram (quran_award) Facebook (DIHQAuae) YouTube (dihqauae) Google (DIHQA) and Blackberry (73F31433)."

Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here I worked as an English language instructor chief En/Ar translator proofreader reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media Cairo University 2014 a bachelor degree in English language and translation Ain Shams University Cairo 1996 and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation interpretation EFL instruction and reporting. I am interested in technology aviation politics as well as community parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading writing exercising and surfing the web.