Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has launched the 29th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (1448H - 2027). The launch follows the introduction of the Award's new developmental vision, "In Search of the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World," unveiled during the previous edition. Through a series of groundbreaking enhancements, the vision has positioned the Award among the world's most distinguished Quran awards while further strengthening Dubai's leading role in serving the Holy Quran and honoring its memorisers from around the world.
According to Emirates News Agency, 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 the Male Category (Over 16 years old), the Male and Female Category (Under 16 years old), and the Global Quranic Personality category. Building on the momentum of the previous edition, the current edition offers total prize money exceeding AED12 million. The first-place winner in the Male Category (Over 16) will receive US$1 million, while the first-place winner in the Male and Female Category (Under 16) will also receive US$1 million. The Global Quranic Personality will likewise be honored during the closing ceremony with an award of US$1 million.
Among the most inspiring additions introduced this year is a new initiative designed to enhance public engagement with the Award. 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.
Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, affirmed that the launch of the 29th edition reflects Dubai's unwavering commitment and exceptional role in serving the Holy Quran and honoring its reciters and memorisers. This edition continues the UAE's civilisational message, placing humanitarian values at the heart of community development while reinforcing Dubai's position as a global capital that attracts excellence and innovation - particularly in the noblest and most honorable field of all: the Holy Quran.
The Dubai International Holy Quran Award aims to encourage male and female memorisers of the Holy Quran and distinguished Quran reciters to compete in preserving, mastering, and beautifully reciting the Holy Quran. It also seeks to inspire younger generations to embrace the Holy Quran, deepen their understanding of its sciences, and adhere to its teachings, while serving Quran through religious, cultural, and community initiatives that encourage Quran memorisation among future generations. The Award also recognises individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to the Holy Quran and its sciences.
The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has firmly established its prestigious global standing through the achievements it has realised over the course of its 28 editions. Since its inception, 7,826 contestants from 123 countries have participated in its editions. The Award has distributed more than AED67 million in prize money since its first edition and has honored 24 individuals and three institutions with the Global Quranic Personality Award.