287 people of various nationalities converted to Islam during the holy month of Ramadan, according to the Department of Islamic Affairs in Dubai.

Dr Hamad bin Al Sheikh Al Shaibani, director-general of the department, said new converts are given training in the Arabic language and provided with publications and CDs in their own language containing information about Islam.

Dr Omar Khatib, executive director of Islamic affairs, said the new converts included 222 women and 65 men.