Dubai Quran Award 2026 Sees Record Participation
Dubai, UAE — The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has announced unprecedented participation for its 28th edition, set for 2026. Within just three weeks of opening registration, more than 3,400 Quran memorisers from 85 countries submitted their applications. This surge reflects the Award’s growing global stature and the impact of its newly launched development vision. With these significant changes, the Award continues to uphold Dubai’s leadership in serving the Holy Quran and promoting Islamic values across the world.
The remarkable turnout comes as a direct result of enhancements approved by the Award’s Board of Trustees, which introduced innovative initiatives to broaden international participation and embrace inclusivity. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the Award reaffirms Dubai’s mission to be a global centre for honouring Quran memorisers and celebrating their achievements.
A Global Record for Quran Memorisation
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, shared that the number of applicants for this edition is the highest in the Award’s history. The participation of more than 3,400 Quran memorisers from 85 countries represents a significant increase compared to previous years. This achievement highlights the Award’s vision to strengthen its global reach and make the competition accessible to a wider audience.
One of the key drivers behind this growth is the introduction of new participation channels and categories. For the first time, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award has opened its doors to female participants through a dedicated category. This milestone offers a powerful platform for female Quran memorisers to showcase their talents on the global stage. Additionally, the Award now accepts direct individual nominations, alongside those submitted by accredited Islamic centres and official entities worldwide. These changes have made the Award more inclusive and removed previous barriers to entry.
A Vision of Inclusivity and Excellence
The Dubai International Holy Quran Award’s 28th edition embodies a forward-thinking vision that aims to promote inclusivity, excellence, and the global spread of Quran memorisation. The changes reflect Dubai’s deep commitment to fostering opportunities for both men and women to excel in this noble pursuit.
By allowing individual nominations and creating a dedicated female category, the Award has significantly broadened its appeal and accessibility. These initiatives align with Dubai’s broader goal of reinforcing its role as a leader in Islamic initiatives and cultural diplomacy. The innovations introduced this year are part of a comprehensive plan to ensure the Award remains the most prestigious platform for Quran memorisers globally.
A Rigorous Evaluation Process
The evaluation process for the Dubai International Holy Quran Award remains rooted in fairness, transparency, and excellence. Ibrahim Jassim Al Mansouri, Acting Director of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, explained that the next stages will follow a structured sequence. Participants will first submit a three-minute video of their recitation from any part of the Holy Quran. This initial submission must be of clear quality and without sound effects. Judges will assess these videos based on tajweed accuracy and recitation performance.
Candidates who succeed at this stage will move on to remote testing. In this phase, participants will be evaluated on memorisation precision, adherence to tajweed rules, and overall recitation quality. The highest-scoring contestants will be invited to Dubai for live, in-person testing. The winners in both the male and female categories will be celebrated at a closing ceremony that reflects the prestige of the Award and the high regard for Quran memorisation in Dubai.
A Significant Increase in Prize Value
The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has enhanced its prize structure to reflect the importance and prestige of the competition. The total prize fund now exceeds 12 million dirhams, demonstrating Dubai’s commitment to rewarding excellence in Quran memorisation. The first-place winners in both the male and female categories will each receive one million US dollars, further elevating the value of their achievement.
The prize for the Islamic Personality of the Year award has also been increased to one million US dollars. This significant boost to the prize pool highlights Dubai’s dedication to recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the service of Islam and the Holy Quran.
Dubai’s Global Role in Quran Memorisation
The Dubai International Holy Quran Award continues to play a pivotal role in reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global centre for Quran memorisation and Islamic initiatives. With the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Award has become a beacon for memorisers worldwide, promoting values of peace, unity, and excellence through the memorisation of the Holy Quran.
The Award not only celebrates individual talent but also serves as a platform for fostering cross-cultural connections and encouraging a deeper understanding of the Holy Quran’s message. Dubai’s efforts through this Award strengthen its position as a leader in promoting Quranic values and supporting the global Muslim community.
Elevating Standards with Integrity
The judging committee for the Dubai International Holy Quran Award is selected according to the strictest criteria, ensuring that the evaluation process is fair and objective. The committee evaluates contestants based on memorisation accuracy, tajweed, and performance quality, applying consistent standards across all stages of the competition.
The development vision for the 28th edition includes updates to the nomination, judging, and evaluation mechanisms, all designed to enhance the competition’s impact and uphold its reputation as the world’s most prestigious Quran memorisation award. These updates reflect Dubai’s ongoing commitment to innovation, transparency, and excellence.
The Future of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award
The 28th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award represents a significant step forward in the competition’s history. The introduction of new categories, expanded nomination options, and increased prize values reflect a strategic vision focused on inclusivity, excellence, and global reach. The record-breaking number of applicants highlights the success of these initiatives and reaffirms Dubai’s leadership in celebrating the Holy Quran.
As the competition progresses, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award will continue to set new benchmarks for excellence and inspire Quran memorisers worldwide. The Award’s commitment to promoting Quran memorisation, supporting participants, and enhancing the global visibility of this noble pursuit ensures its continued success as a cornerstone of Dubai’s Islamic initiatives.
