Participation more than doubles as revamped competition offers world’s largest Quran recitation prize pool
Dubai: The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has received more than 12,000 submissions from 120 countries within two weeks of opening registration for its 29th edition (1448 AH-2027).
The figure is more than double the 5,618 applicants from 105 countries recorded in the 28th edition.
The increase follows the launch of the award’s new developmental vision, “In Search of the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World,” introduced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
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 surge in participation reflects the impact of the award’s recent enhancements.
He said receiving more than 12,000 submissions from 120 countries in such a short period demonstrates confidence in the revised award categories, prize values and nomination mechanisms.
The award received entries from across the Arab world, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
The latest edition features a prize pool exceeding AED12 million.
The first-place winner in the male over-16 category and the first-place winner in the male and female under-16 category will each receive US$1 million. Second- and third-place winners in each category will receive US$100,000 and US$50,000, respectively, while the Global Quranic Personality of the Year will also receive US$1 million.
For the first time, the award allows direct individual nominations alongside nominations through home countries and accredited Islamic centres, enabling participants worldwide to submit video recitations directly.
Another enhancement will see finalists hosted in Dubai to lead Taraweeh prayers at major mosques during Ramadan, with the final stage featuring public voting to select the world’s most beautiful Quran recitation.
Registration remains open until 15th August 2026 through the award’s website, www.quran.gov.ae.
Over its previous 28 editions, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award has attracted 7,826 participants from 123 countries, distributed more than AED67 million in prizes and honoured 24 individuals and three institutions with the Global Quranic Personality of the Year Award.
