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Sheikh Mohammed announces $3.3 million in prizes for International Holy Quran Award
'We are searching for the most beautiful Quranic voices in the world.. to honor them.. and pray behind them,' the Dubai Ruler said
- PUBLISHED: Tue 7 Jul 2026, 1:42 PM UPDATED: Tue 7 Jul 2026, 6:18 PM
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Tuesday announced the launch of the 29th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award — the biggest global award to honour people who memorise the Quran.
The last edition of the global prize saw participations from 5,618 males and females from 105 countries. This year, the prize money for the awards is set to be a whopping $3.3 million (over Dh12 million).
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Since its inception, 7,826 contestants from 123 countries have participated in 28 editions of the Quranic Awards. It has granted more than Dh67 million in prize money since its first edition and has honoured 24 individuals and three institutions with the Global Quranic Personality Award.
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"The words of God are light and guidance and mercy.. We have been honouring its memorisers for 29 years and, God willing, we will continue on this path and journey," Sheikh Mohammed who is also UAE Vice President and Prime Minister added in a post on X, announcing that winners of this year's prizes will be honoured in Ramadan 2027.
We are searching for the most beautiful Quranic voices in the world.. to honour them.. and pray behind them
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Three categories
The 29th edition introduces a new set of qualitative enhancements designed to advance the Award's strategy of expanding international participation. This edition also introduces updates to the Award's categories and eligibility criteria, which now comprise:
First category: Dubai International Quran Award Male Category Age 16 and Above (Open age group)
Second category: Dubai International Quran Award Male and Female Category Age 16 and Below
Third category: Global Quranic Personality
Requirments to participate in first category
He must have fully memorised the Holy Quran with mastery, adhering to the rules of recitation and Tajweed.
He must born on or after May 31, 2010
He must not have reached the final stages or been honoured in a previous edition of the competition.
He must wear the national attire of his country.
He must demonstrate good conduct and observe the regulations and public etiquette of the United Arab Emirates.
First place winner: $1 million
Second place: $100,000
Third place: $50,000
Requirments to participate in second category
The participant must have fully memorised the Holy Quran with mastery, adhering to the rules of recitation and Tajweed.
They must not exceed 16 years of age and must be born on or after June 1, 2010
They must not have reached the final stages or been honored in a previous edition of the competition.
They must adhere to the specified timing for performing the test.
They must demonstrate good conduct and observe the regulations and public etiquette of the United Arab Emirates.
First place winner: $1 million
Second place: $100,000
Third place: $50,000
Requirments to participate in third category
The nominee must have played a distinguished role in serving Islam and Muslims.
The nominee must have an effective impact and positive contribution to society.
The nominee must have produced tangible scholarly works characterised by originality and excellence.
The nominee must be a role model worthy of emulation and possess a reputable standing in the Islamic world.
The winner of this category is awarded a financial prize of $1 million dollars.
What is new this year?
Among the most inspiring additions introduced this year is a new initiative designed to enhance public engagement. A select group of outstanding contestants who qualify for the second stage will be invited to Dubai to lead Taraweeh prayers at major mosques across the emirate, after which the public will vote to select the most beautiful Quran recitation in the world from among these participants.
The Award also continues to expand participation opportunities for Quranic talents worldwide by allowing direct personal applications, alongside the traditional nomination process through a participant's home country or an accredited Islamic center, in accordance with the approved eligibility requirements. This further reinforces the Award's position as a leading global platform.
How to participate
Participants may apply by visiting the Award's website at www.quran.gov.ae, filling the electronic application form with the required information, uploading a copy of their passport and a personal photograph, and submitting a video recording of a Quran recitation from any passage of the Holy Quran. The video must be of suitable quality, with clear audio, and no longer than three minutes. Applications will be accepted from July 7, 2026 through August 15, 2026.
Evaluation process
The evaluation process for the Male Category (Over 16 years old) will consist of two stages. The first stage involves selecting the most melodious voices based on a three-minute video recitation from any passage of the Holy Quran. Contestants will be evaluated according to vocal beauty, quality of performance, and adherence to the rules of Tajweed. This stage will run from July 7, through August 15, 2026.
The second stage will determine the winner of the most beautiful Quran recitation in the world. A select group of the most distinguished contestants will be invited to Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan to lead Taraweeh prayers at major mosques across the emirate, after which the public will vote to select the winner. This stage will take place from February 8 to February 16, 2027.
The evaluation process for the Male and Female Category (Under 16 years old) will comprise three stages. The first stage, running from July 7 to August 15, 2026, will select the most melodious voices based on a three-minute video recitation from any passage of the Holy Quran, evaluated according to vocal beauty, quality of performance, and adherence to the rules of Tajweed.
The second stage will be held from September 1 to September 14, 2026 and will consist of live virtual evaluations conducted through direct video calls. The third stage will feature public voting to select the most beautiful Quran recitation in the world, taking place from February 8 to February 16, 2027.
The Award's closing ceremony will be held during the second week of the holy month of Ramadan, where the winners of the award will be honoured alongside the Global Quranic Personality, selected from among individuals who have made outstanding contributions to serving Islam and Muslims, demonstrated meaningful societal impact and positive community engagement, and produced distinguished scholarly achievements characterised by originality and excellence.
(With inputs from WAM)
Yasmin Hussein is an Assistant Digital Editor who believes that every news story carries a human element. Her motto is 'get it first, but first get it right'.
