Dubai, UAE – The Dubai International Holy Quran Award, in its 28th edition, continues to solidify its global standing with a new vision for development. As a result, it has become the world’s most valuable award, with total prizes exceeding AED 12 million. One million US dollars has been allocated for the first-place winner in both the male and female categories. Additionally, one million US dollars has been allocated for the Global Quranic Personality Award.
An unprecedented developmental vision
This year’s edition continues the legacy of the award, which was launched in 1997 by a decree from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This year’s edition has seen significant additions, including opening participation to women in a separate category for the first time. Furthermore, direct personal nominations have been made available to Quranic talents worldwide. In addition, nominations can now be submitted through accredited institutions, thus broadening the scope of competition and reinforcing the principle of equal opportunity.
Precise arbitration mechanisms and multiple evaluation stages
Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Award, confirmed that the current cycle witnessed a comprehensive update to the nomination and judging mechanisms. Precise criteria were also established for selecting the evaluation committees, ensuring fairness and equality among the contestants. He explained that the number of entries reached 5,618 from 105 countries. Of these, 525 contestants qualified for the second stage. Before selecting six finalists, equally divided between males and females, a global public vote was opened to choose the most beautiful Quranic voice of 2026.
Global standing and growing influence
Al Muhairi emphasized that the award has become the largest globally in terms of the number of participants and the value of the prizes. He noted that the development came as a direct result of directives to enhance its role in serving the Book of God and spreading its tolerant values. The current session also honors the late reciter Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al-Hussary with the International Quranic Personality Award, in recognition of his contributions to serving the Holy Quran and its sciences.
