emirates7 - The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has announced the launch of its 28th edition for 2026, introducing a new vision called "In Search of the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation."
This initiative aims to elevate the award’s status as one of the world’s most prestigious Quran competitions, reinforcing Dubai’s leading role in supporting the Holy Quran and establishing the city as a global center for honoring Quran memorisers.
The prize money has been increased, with total awards now exceeding AED 12 million. The first-place winner in each category, both male and female, will receive US$1 million.
For the first time, a dedicated category for female participants has been introduced, raising the total number of categories to three: full Quran memorisation for males, full Quran memorisation for females, and the Islamic Personality of the Year award.
The upcoming edition will also expand international participation, increase financial rewards, nomination and judging procedures, and allow direct personal nominations in addition to traditional ones from countries or accredited Islamic institutions, following approved guidelines.
These updates were revealed during a press conference held at Creators HQ, Emirates Towers, Dubai, by the Dubai International Holy Quran Award.
Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and Chairman of the Award’s Board of Trustees, highlighted that, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the award has grown into a prestigious global platform celebrating Quran memorisers and promoting Islamic values.
Participants, both male and female, must have fully memorised the Quran with proficiency, follow Tajweed and recitation rules, be no older than 16 at registration (reduced from 25), and must not have reached the final stages or won in previous editions. They must also comply with the specified testing schedule.
The competition consists of three stages: initial video recitation evaluation submitted online, remote testing for qualifiers, and a final in-person assessment in Dubai during the second week of Ramadan.
Applications are open from May 21 to July 20. The first evaluation phase will run from July 1 to 31, 2025, the second phase (remote video assessments) from September 1 to 30, and the final stage with in-person judging and the awards ceremony will be held in the second week of Ramadan.
The judging panel for both male and female categories includes five members, plus a reserve, all of whom are experts in Quran memorisation, Tajweed, and certified in seven or ten Quran readings.
The third category, Islamic Personality of the Year, honors an individual or entity that has made significant contributions to Islam and Muslim communities, has a lasting positive social impact, notable scholarly achievements, and is a respected role model. The winner receives a US$1 million prize.
This initiative aims to elevate the award’s status as one of the world’s most prestigious Quran competitions, reinforcing Dubai’s leading role in supporting the Holy Quran and establishing the city as a global center for honoring Quran memorisers.
The prize money has been increased, with total awards now exceeding AED 12 million. The first-place winner in each category, both male and female, will receive US$1 million.
For the first time, a dedicated category for female participants has been introduced, raising the total number of categories to three: full Quran memorisation for males, full Quran memorisation for females, and the Islamic Personality of the Year award.
The upcoming edition will also expand international participation, increase financial rewards, nomination and judging procedures, and allow direct personal nominations in addition to traditional ones from countries or accredited Islamic institutions, following approved guidelines.
These updates were revealed during a press conference held at Creators HQ, Emirates Towers, Dubai, by the Dubai International Holy Quran Award.
Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and Chairman of the Award’s Board of Trustees, highlighted that, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the award has grown into a prestigious global platform celebrating Quran memorisers and promoting Islamic values.
Participants, both male and female, must have fully memorised the Quran with proficiency, follow Tajweed and recitation rules, be no older than 16 at registration (reduced from 25), and must not have reached the final stages or won in previous editions. They must also comply with the specified testing schedule.
The competition consists of three stages: initial video recitation evaluation submitted online, remote testing for qualifiers, and a final in-person assessment in Dubai during the second week of Ramadan.
Applications are open from May 21 to July 20. The first evaluation phase will run from July 1 to 31, 2025, the second phase (remote video assessments) from September 1 to 30, and the final stage with in-person judging and the awards ceremony will be held in the second week of Ramadan.
The judging panel for both male and female categories includes five members, plus a reserve, all of whom are experts in Quran memorisation, Tajweed, and certified in seven or ten Quran readings.
The third category, Islamic Personality of the Year, honors an individual or entity that has made significant contributions to Islam and Muslim communities, has a lasting positive social impact, notable scholarly achievements, and is a respected role model. The winner receives a US$1 million prize.