Dubai has officially launched the second season of its Muezzin Al Freij initiative, a programme aimed at strengthening the connection between younger generations and the Islamic faith.
Spearheaded by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the campaign focuses on empowering families to nurture national identity and religious values in their children.
This year’s edition of the initiative is set to expand significantly, with a 50% increase in the number of participating mosques. The programme will target children aged 6 to 14, encouraging them to engage more actively in mosque activities.
Young participants will be invited to wear traditional Emirati attire, reinforcing pride in their cultural heritage, and will have the opportunity to recite the adhan, the call to prayer, as well as join the voluntary night prayers, Tarawih, during Ramadan.
Quran in Every Home
Alongside Muezzin Al Freij, Sheikh Hamdan has launched the Quran in Every Home initiative. The goal is simple yet impactful: to ensure every household in Dubai has access to a copy of the Holy Quran. In the lead-up to Ramadan, copies will be distributed across key mosques, particularly those frequented by large numbers of worshippers. This initiative encourages families to reflect on the Quran’s teachings throughout Ramadan and beyond.
Ahmad Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), praised the launch of the second season of Muezzin Al Freij, calling it a significant step toward fostering a generation grounded in Islamic values and national pride. Al Muhairi highlighted the programme's role in reinforcing the connection between children and their local mosques, laying the groundwork for their spiritual and moral development.
Best Muezzin contest
As part of the expanded campaign, Dubai has also unveiled a competition to identify the best voices for the adhan. Registration for the contest opens on January 13, with a set of precise criteria to assess entrants. Selected winners will lead prayers during Ramadan, contributing to the cultural and spiritual fabric of Dubai.
The Muezzin Al Freij initiative aligns with Dubai’s Social Agenda 33, a framework designed to cultivate cohesive, values-driven families dedicated to community service. This year’s expanded efforts aim to further instil national identity and social values, offering young people a deeper connection to their faith and heritage.