The Dubai International Holy Quran Award, under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has recently completed the preliminary judging phase for its 28th edition in 2026. The prestigious award received a remarkable 5,618 applications from participants across 105 countries, with 30% of the entries coming from female contenders.
Out of these, 525 individuals have been selected to advance to the second judging phase. This group comprises 373 male participants and 152 female participants who demonstrated their memorization skills during the initial assessment phase held from July 1 to July 31. The evaluations were based on clear standards concerning Tajweed rules and performance quality, ensuring fairness through a comprehensive and just framework.
Officials from the Dubai International Holy Quran Award have noted that the majority of applicants displayed exceptional talent in their recitation and mastery of Quranic rules. The best performers have now been chosen for the next round of assessment, which will include direct video communication between the jury and the Quran memorizers. This significant increase in participation and the high level of performance reflect the award’s success in achieving its vision to discover the most beautiful Quranic voice globally, further solidifying its status as a premier platform for honoring Quran memorizers.
Outstanding Results
Ahmad Darwish Al Muhairi, General Director of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and President of the Award’s Board of Trustees, stated that the results from the first judging stage indicate that this 28th edition is progressing exceptionally well towards reinforcing its role in celebrating the Quran. The award is enhancing Dubai’s position as a global hub for honoring Quran memorizers and scholars from around the world, supported by clear strategies aligned with the developmental vision outlined by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. This vision aims to increase international participation and amplify the award’s impact on the preservation and recitation of the Quran.
He highlighted that the developmental vision this year has introduced impactful improvements, reflected in the significant international participation and the exceptional quality of performances. The total prize money has been raised to over 12 million dirhams, with the first-place winners in both male and female categories receiving one million dollars. This year also marks the inaugural opening of a separate female category, allowing for direct personal nominations in addition to the traditional nominations from their home countries or recognized Islamic centers, all contributing to the award’s enhanced international prestige.
Thorough Evaluation
Ibrahim Jassim Al Mansoori, Acting Director of the Dubai International Quran Award, explained that the judging committee meticulously selected the most distinguished participants. Every application was subjected to a rigorous evaluation process assessing adherence to Tajweed rules and performance quality, with consistent application of announced criteria to ensure fairness in the assessment process. This aligns with the award’s goals of elevating the standard of performance and encouraging competitors to excel in this field.
He further noted that Quran memorizers worldwide showcased unprecedented talent, with Bangladesh leading the way with 81 participants advancing to the second round, followed by Pakistan with 48, Indonesia with 45, Egypt with 35, India with 27, Libya with 24, the USA with 20, and both Mauritania and Yemen with 12 each.
Al Mansoori emphasized that the second judging phase will be crucial for competition among Quran memorizers, involving direct online evaluations by the jury based on their memorization, Tajweed proficiency, and performance quality, using precise and equitable standards. The jury will consist of a select group of scholars experienced in Quran studies and international competition judging.
The registration period for this edition, which ran from May 21 to July 20, allowed for 5,618 applications, with 30% received from female participants. Following the initial judging phase from July 1 to July 31, the 525 selected participants are now preparing for the second judging phase, scheduled from September 1 to September 30, where assessments will again occur through direct online interactions. The final judging stage will take place in Dubai during the second week of Ramadan, with the judges and contestants present.
A Widespread Influence
The Dubai International Quran Award announced a new developmental vision for its 28th edition aimed at enhancing its distinctiveness and expanding its impact, reaffirming Dubai’s prestigious role in serving the Holy Quran and establishing itself as a global center for honoring Quran memorizers from all over the world. This new cycle includes significant innovations that build on the 28-year legacy of the award.
The total prize amounts have been increased to over 12 million dirhams, with the first-place winners in both male and female categories receiving one million dollars each, and the Islamic Personality of the Year award also receiving a million dollars.
Key enhancements in this edition include the introduction of a separate female category for the first time, raising the total number of award categories to three: complete memorization of the Quran for males, complete memorization for females, and the Islamic Personality of the Year award. This new structure allows for nominations through personal applications, recognized Islamic centers, or official channels from around the world, reinforcing the award’s commitment to broaden international participation, innovate nomination and judging methods, and elevate the standard of memorization and performance among competitors.