emirates7 - The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has reported a record number of registrations for its 28th international edition, set to take place in 2026. Within just three weeks of opening applications, over 3,400 Quran memorizers from 85 countries have applied — a historic milestone attributed to newly introduced enhancements approved by the Award’s Board of Trustees under its latest development strategy.
Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, highlighted that this significant increase in participation underscores the Award’s global prestige and the growing desire among memorizers to take part. He noted that the revised format aims to broaden international involvement and extend the reach of the Award’s activities. For the first time, a dedicated category for female participants has been introduced, alongside a new mechanism allowing direct individual nominations in addition to the traditional method through countries or recognized Islamic centres.
Al Muhairi emphasized that, with the grace of Allah and the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award remains the largest and most prestigious platform for honoring Quran memorizers. This reflects Dubai’s pioneering role in promoting the Holy Quran and its status as a global hub for Quranic excellence.
Acting Director of the Award, Ibrahim Jassim Al Mansouri, explained that the evaluation process will soon begin with the review of submissions. In the first phase, participants are required to submit a high-quality, three-minute video recitation from any part of the Quran, free of sound effects. The initial assessment will focus on tajweed and recitation quality.
Those who pass the first stage will undergo remote evaluations in the second phase, judged on memorization accuracy, tajweed, and overall performance. The top scorers will then be invited to Dubai for the final round of in-person testing. Winners in both male and female categories will be honored at the closing ceremony.
Al Mansouri also noted that the judging panel is carefully selected by the Board of Trustees according to rigorous standards to ensure fairness and objectivity. Contestants are evaluated based on set criteria covering memorization, tajweed, and performance.
Marking its 28th year in 1447 AH / 2026 AD, the Award’s new development vision aims to enhance its global impact. It reflects Dubai’s sustained efforts in supporting Quranic excellence and further cements the Emirate’s position as an international leader in this field.
The total prize pool has been increased to over AED 12 million, with the top winners in both the male and female categories each receiving USD 1 million. The prestigious Islamic Personality of the Year award also carries a prize of USD 1 million.
Key developments in this edition include the formal addition of a female memorization category, bringing the total number of categories to three: full Quran memorization for males, full memorization for females, and the Islamic Personality of the Year.
Furthermore, this edition allows for direct individual applications alongside nominations by Islamic institutions and official bodies, while also introducing revised nomination, judging, and evaluation procedures. The changes are designed to raise the overall standard of performance and memorization.
Applications opened on May 21 and will remain open until July 20. Preliminary judging is scheduled from July 1 to 31, followed by remote assessments throughout September. The final round and the award ceremony will be held during the second week of Ramadan.
Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, highlighted that this significant increase in participation underscores the Award’s global prestige and the growing desire among memorizers to take part. He noted that the revised format aims to broaden international involvement and extend the reach of the Award’s activities. For the first time, a dedicated category for female participants has been introduced, alongside a new mechanism allowing direct individual nominations in addition to the traditional method through countries or recognized Islamic centres.
Al Muhairi emphasized that, with the grace of Allah and the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award remains the largest and most prestigious platform for honoring Quran memorizers. This reflects Dubai’s pioneering role in promoting the Holy Quran and its status as a global hub for Quranic excellence.
Acting Director of the Award, Ibrahim Jassim Al Mansouri, explained that the evaluation process will soon begin with the review of submissions. In the first phase, participants are required to submit a high-quality, three-minute video recitation from any part of the Quran, free of sound effects. The initial assessment will focus on tajweed and recitation quality.
Those who pass the first stage will undergo remote evaluations in the second phase, judged on memorization accuracy, tajweed, and overall performance. The top scorers will then be invited to Dubai for the final round of in-person testing. Winners in both male and female categories will be honored at the closing ceremony.
Al Mansouri also noted that the judging panel is carefully selected by the Board of Trustees according to rigorous standards to ensure fairness and objectivity. Contestants are evaluated based on set criteria covering memorization, tajweed, and performance.
Marking its 28th year in 1447 AH / 2026 AD, the Award’s new development vision aims to enhance its global impact. It reflects Dubai’s sustained efforts in supporting Quranic excellence and further cements the Emirate’s position as an international leader in this field.
The total prize pool has been increased to over AED 12 million, with the top winners in both the male and female categories each receiving USD 1 million. The prestigious Islamic Personality of the Year award also carries a prize of USD 1 million.
Key developments in this edition include the formal addition of a female memorization category, bringing the total number of categories to three: full Quran memorization for males, full memorization for females, and the Islamic Personality of the Year.
Furthermore, this edition allows for direct individual applications alongside nominations by Islamic institutions and official bodies, while also introducing revised nomination, judging, and evaluation procedures. The changes are designed to raise the overall standard of performance and memorization.
Applications opened on May 21 and will remain open until July 20. Preliminary judging is scheduled from July 1 to 31, followed by remote assessments throughout September. The final round and the award ceremony will be held during the second week of Ramadan.