His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched the 29th Dubai International Holy Quran Award, introducing new categories, public voting and prize money exceeding AED12 million.
DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched the 29th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, unveiling a new chapter for one of the world’s most prestigious Quran competitions. Building on last year’s vision, In Search of the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World, the award now features expanded participation, public engagement and total prize money exceeding AED12 million.
Announcing the new edition, Sheikh Mohammed said the award continues Dubai’s long-standing commitment to honouring those who memorise and beautifully recite the Holy Quran. “The words of Allah are light, guidance, and mercy,” he said, adding that the initiative has celebrated Quran memorisers for 29 years and will continue to recognise outstanding reciters from around the world.
This year’s edition introduces three categories: Male (Over 16), Male and Female (Under 16), and the Global Quranic Personality Award. Winners of the two competition categories, along with the recipient of the Global Quranic Personality Award, will each receive US$1 million, making it one of the highest-value Quran competitions globally.
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of public voting. Outstanding contestants who qualify for the advanced stage will travel to Dubai during Ramadan to lead Taraweeh prayers at major mosques across the emirate. Worshippers and the wider public will then vote to choose the world’s most beautiful Quran recitation, adding a unique community dimension to the Dubai International Holy Quran Award.
Applications are now open through the award’s official website and will be accepted until August 15, 2026. Participants must submit a three-minute video showcasing their recitation, with shortlisted candidates progressing to the next stages of evaluation.
Since its launch in 1997, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award has welcomed more than 7,800 contestants from 123 countries and distributed over AED67 million in prizes. The latest edition further strengthens Dubai’s position as a global centre for celebrating Quranic excellence while inspiring future generations to deepen their connection with the Holy Quran.
