Dubai: The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has announced a record turnout for its 28th international edition, set for 2026, with registration numbers soaring within just three weeks of its launch. This surge in participation follows the qualitative additions approved by the Award's Board of Trustees as part of its new development vision.
According to Emirates News Agency, 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, disclosed that over 3,400 Quran memorisers from 85 countries worldwide have applied. This significant increase from previous editions highlights the Award's vision to enhance global participation and expand its international reach. For the first time, the Award has introduced a category for female participants and has allowed direct individual nominations alongside those from participating countries or accredited Islamic centres.
Al Muhairi emphasized that with the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award continues to strengthen its reputation as the largest and most prestigious award recognizing Quran memorisers. This initiative underscores Dubai's pioneering role in serving the Holy Quran and solidifies its status as a global hub for celebrating Quran memorisers.
Ibrahim Jassim Al Mansouri, Acting Director of the Award, outlined the process for reviewing and approving submissions, which will lead into the evaluation stages. Initially, participants will submit a three-minute video recitation, evaluated based on tajweed rules and performance quality. Successful candidates will proceed to remote testing, focusing on memorization, tajweed, and performance, followed by live testing in Dubai for top contenders. Winners in both male and female categories will be honored at the closing ceremony.
He affirmed that the judging committee, selected by the Board of Trustees, adheres to strict criteria to ensure fairness and integrity in the evaluation process. The committee uses established standards for assessing memorization, tajweed, and performance.
The 28th edition, scheduled for 2026, features a new development vision aimed at enhancing its distinction and impact. The prize value has been increased to over AED 12 million, with the first-place winners in both male and female categories receiving one million US dollars. The Islamic Personality of the Year category prize has also been raised to one million US dollars.
Significantly, this edition includes a new category for female Quran memorizers, bringing the total number of award categories to three, and broadens participation through direct individual nominations. The Award's development vision includes updating nomination, judging, and evaluation mechanisms, and introducing initiatives to elevate memorization and performance levels.
Applications opened on May 21 and will close on July 20, followed by the preliminary judging phase from July 1 to 31. Remote judging will occur from September 1 to 30, with final tests and the closing ceremony scheduled for the second week of Ramadan.
