DUBAI: The Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA) has conducted the 63rd Quran edition of the 16th year of the Quran Programme for Punitive and Correctional Institutions in Dubai.

The launch of the pioneering scheme was ordered by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in 2002.

Many prison term reductions have been issued in favour of 2,950 inmates, excluding those convicted of murder, due to the pioneering programme, which has helped to correct the behaviour of many prisoners while enlightening them about the merciful teachings of the Holy Quran.

Ibrahim Mohamed Bu Melha, Adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs and Head of the DIHQA Organising Committee, praised the kind gesture of Sheikh Mohammed towards the inmates.

“The programme has offered Dubai inmates a precious opportunity to start a new life, be good citizens, behave well and make good use of their time during and after their jail terms,” Bu Melha said.

WAM