The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai reported that the Dubai International Holy Quran Award received a record 12,000 entries from 120 countries, a figure that reflects growing worldwide interest in the competition. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, director general of the department, outlined how the 28th edition operates under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The new vision titled In search of the most beautiful Quran recitation has driven changes that include increased prize money and broader eligibility.
Registration for the award ran from May 21 to July 20, according to the department, after which preliminary evaluations began immediately and are set to conclude by the end of July. Candidates who advance will undergo video call assessments from Sept. 1 to 30 before finals take place in the second week of Ramadan. The department’s published schedule places the full cycle within a compressed timeframe designed to identify top reciters efficiently.
Total prizes for the edition exceed 12 million dirhams, a department announcement showed, including one million dollars each for the top male and female winners in the main categories. The competition features separate tracks for participants over age 16 and those 16 and younger in addition to a global Quranic personality award. Ibrahim Jasem Al Mansouri, acting director at the department, stated that direct nominations from accredited institutions in each country helped widen access for entrants.
The award has built a 28-year record as one of the largest and most prestigious events for Quran memorizers, the department noted in its overview of past editions. Participation this year spanned every continent with strong showings from nations that have historically fielded large contingents. Officials tied the record entry total to the introduction of the female category and the elevated rewards on offer.
Further details from the department indicated that the evaluation process prioritizes complete memorization, tajweed rules, voice quality and performance standards across all submissions. Winners from prior years have come from diverse backgrounds, setting a precedent that appears to have encouraged wider applications in the current cycle. The program continues to position Dubai as an international center for Quranic excellence through these annual contests.
