Overhauls to direct personal entry and a $12 million prize pool spark unprecedented global participation across six continents.
DUBAI, Aug 19, 2026:The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has received a record-breaking 20,500 applications across 135 countries for its upcoming 29th edition in 2027, marking the largest turnout in the event’s history following a series of structural reforms.
Organizers revealed the surge in participation stems from a restructured application framework that, for the first time, allowed participants to apply directly alongside traditional nominations submitted through home countries or accredited Islamic centers. The updated format forms part of the initiative “In Search of the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World,” overseen by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
Total prize money for the award now exceeds AED 12 million ($3.26 million). First-place winners in both the primary categories—the Male Category (Over 16) and the Youth Category (Under 16, open to males and females)—will each receive a top prize of $1 million. Second and third-place winners in each category will receive $100,000 and $50,000 respectively, while the designated Global Quranic Personality will also be awarded $1 million.
Applicants from Arab and Islamic nations, as well as Muslim communities across non-Muslim countries, registered for the competition. Egypt led the total volume of submissions with 6,838 applications, followed by Indonesia with 1,923, Pakistan with 1,862, and Syria with 1,511.
By demographic breakdown, the Over-16 Male Category recorded 14,040 submissions. The Under-16 Category garnered 6,495 applications, including 2,394 female contestants.
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 award, said the expanded access has broadened the event’s global reach, providing a direct route for international reciters to demonstrate mastery in Tajweed and vocal quality.
Preliminary assessments are underway to judge applicants on technical proficiency, vocal clarity, and recitation standards. The competition pipeline will proceed through distinct phases:
- Under-16 Category: Stage two evaluation begins September 1 to 14, 2026, conducted via live video panel judging.
- Taraweeh Residency: Select adult and youth finalists will travel to Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan to lead Taraweeh prayers at major mosques across the emirate.
- Public Voting & Finals: Public voting to determine the winning recitations will open from February 8 to 16, 2027, leading to the final ceremony during the second week of Ramadan.
Since its inception, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award has hosted 7,826 contestants from 123 countries across 28 editions, distributing over AED 67 million in prize funds and recognizing 24 individuals and three institutions with the Global Quranic Personality Award.
