Mohammed bin Rashid launches 29th edition of Dubai International Holy Quran Award
New edition offers prize money exceeding AED 12 million and introduces public voting to select the world’s most beautiful Quran recitation
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has launched the 29th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (1448H–2027), continuing the award’s new vision, “In Search of the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World.”
The latest edition introduces several enhancements aimed at expanding international participation and strengthening the award’s position as one of the world’s leading Quran competitions.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “By the grace and blessings of Allah, today we launch the new edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award. We are searching for the world's most beautiful Quran recitations to honor their reciters, pray behind them, and recognise them next Ramadan.”
His Highness added: “The words of Allah are light, guidance, and mercy. For 29 years, we have honored the memorisers of the Holy Quran, and will continue this noble tradition and enduring journey. We pray that Allah accepts our good deeds and yours.”
Prize pool exceeds AED12 million
Building on the previous edition, the award offers total prize money exceeding AED12 million.
The first-place winner in the Male Category (Over 16 years old) will receive US$1 million, while the first-place winner in the Male and Female Category (Under 16 years old) will also receive US$1 million.
The recipient of the Global Quranic Personality Award will likewise receive US$1 million.
Second-place winners in both competition categories will receive US$100,000, while third-place winners will receive US$50,000.
New public participation initiative
Among the key additions this year is a new initiative designed to increase public engagement with the competition.
A select group of contestants who qualify for the advanced stages will be invited to Dubai during Ramadan to lead Taraweeh prayers at major mosques across the emirate.
Members of the public will then be able to vote to select the winner of the title “Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World.”
Expanded participation opportunities
The award now allows direct individual applications in addition to the traditional nomination process through participants’ home countries or accredited Islamic centres.
Competition categories for the 29th edition include:
- Male Category (Over 16 years old)
- Male and Female Category (Under 16 years old)
- Global Quranic Personality
- Registration opens
The Dubai International Holy Quran Award announced that applications will be accepted from 7 July to 15 August 2026 through its official website: [www.quran.gov.ae](http://www.quran.gov.ae).
Applicants must submit:
- An electronic application form
- A passport copy
- A personal photograph
- A video recitation of up to three minutes from any passage of the Holy Quran
Award's global legacy
Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, said the launch reflects Dubai’s continued commitment to serving the Holy Quran and honouring its reciters and memorisers.
He noted that the latest edition builds on the award’s developmental vision by expanding participation opportunities and strengthening community engagement through the new Taraweeh initiative.
Since its launch in 1997, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award has attracted 7,826 participants from 123 countries, distributed more than AED67 million in prize money, and honoured 24 individuals and three institutions through the Global Quranic Personality Award.
The closing ceremony of the 29th edition will be held during the second week of the holy month of Ramadan, when winners and the Global Quranic Personality will be honoured.