Record 20,500 applicants from 135 countries enter Dubai Quran Award 2026.
Dubai: The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has attracted a record 20,500 applications from 135 countries for its 29th edition, marking the highest level of international participation in the award’s history.
Registration for the 29th edition, corresponding to 1448H–2027, closes on Wednesday, with entries received from Arab and Islamic countries as well as Muslim communities across all continents.
Egypt leads applications
Egypt recorded the highest number of applications, with 6,838 entries, followed by Indonesia with 1,923, Pakistan with 1,862 and Syria with 1,511.
The category for contestants aged over 16 received 14,040 applications, while the under-16 category for boys and girls attracted 6,495 entries, including 2,394 female applicants.
New application process
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the award has expanded its application process to allow contestants to apply directly, alongside nominations submitted through their home countries or accredited Islamic centres.
The changes form part of a development programme introduced during the 28th edition, which included updates to competition categories, eligibility criteria, evaluation procedures and participation mechanisms.
Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Chairman of the award’s Board of Trustees, said the record participation reflected the award’s growing reach among Quranic talents around the world.
Al Muhairi said the award’s development programme was designed to go beyond the traditional model of Quran competitions by creating an international platform that encourages and celebrates outstanding Quranic talent.
$1 million top prizes
The award has introduced a prize fund worth more than Dh12 million. First-place winners in both the over-16 male category and the under-16 male and female category will each receive $1 million.
Second-place winners in each category will receive $100,000, while third-place winners will take home $50,000. The Global Quranic Personality award will also carry a $1 million prize.
Finalists to lead Taraweeh prayers
A select group of finalists will be invited to Dubai during Ramadan to lead Taraweeh prayers at major mosques. The public will then have the opportunity to vote for the “Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World”, with voting scheduled to take place from February 8 to 16, 2027.
Applications are currently undergoing preliminary evaluation based on Tajweed, vocal ability, recitation quality and overall performance, with judging panels selecting contestants for the next stages.
28 editions and more than Dh67 million in prizes
The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has completed 28 editions since its launch, attracting 7,826 contestants from 123 countries. More than Dh67 million has been awarded in prize money over the years.
The award has also recognised 24 individuals and three institutions with its Global Quranic Personality Award.
