Dubai’s International Holy Quran Award is preparing for its 29th edition after receiving its highest-ever number of applications. The Dubai-based competition has attracted 20,500 applications from 135 countries, according to figures announced by the organisers and reported by UAE media. The record participation comes alongside a new competition format, a prize fund exceeding Dh12 million and $1 million prizes for first place in two main categories.
The competition matters to UAE residents because selected finalists are expected to take part in Ramadan activities in Dubai in 2027, including leading Taraweeh prayers at major mosques before the public voting stage.
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Organisation: Dubai International Holy Quran Award
- Status: Evaluation and preparation stages are underway for the 29th edition
- Who is involved: Quran reciters from 135 countries
- Total prize fund: More than Dh12 million
- Top prizes: $1 million for first place in two main categories
- What’s next: Final stages and public voting are scheduled during Ramadan 2027
The Dubai International Holy Quran Award 2027 is set to be its biggest edition yet after receiving a record 20,500 applications from 135 countries. The 29th edition offers a total prize fund exceeding Dh12 million, including $1 million for the winners of its two main competition categories. The expanded format also gives selected finalists a chance to travel to Dubai and lead Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan before public voting determines the winner of the title for the world’s most beautiful Quran recitation.
How many applications has the Dubai International Holy Quran Award received?
The 29th edition has received 20,500 applications from 135 countries, making it the largest edition in the award’s history.
Egypt recorded the highest number of applications, with 6,838 entries. Indonesia followed with 1,923 applications, while Pakistan submitted 1,862 and Syria recorded 1,511.
The competition includes a category for male participants aged 16 and above, along with a separate category for male and female participants aged 16 and under.
The strong response follows changes to the award’s entry system. Under the revised format, eligible participants can submit applications directly, alongside the traditional nomination route through their home countries or accredited Islamic centres.
This broader entry process is one of the major changes introduced for the 29th edition and has expanded access to Quran reciters around the world.
What are the $1 million prizes in the Dubai Quran Award?
The 29th edition has a total prize fund exceeding Dh12 million, with $1 million among the highest prizes offered.
The prize structure includes:
- $1 million for first place in the Male Category for participants aged 16 and above
- $1 million for first place in the Male and Female Category for participants aged 16 and under
- $100,000 for second place in each main category
- $50,000 for third place in each main category
- $1 million for the recipient of the Global Quranic Personality Award
The Global Quranic Personality Award recognises a person who has made an important contribution to serving Islam and Muslim communities, alongside a recognised impact through their work and achievements.
The expanded prize structure forms part of the award’s new development vision, which aims to strengthen its international reach and identify exceptional Quran recitation talent from around the world.
How will the Dubai International Holy Quran Award work in 2027?
The competition will follow several stages, with different assessment processes for the two age categories.
For male participants aged 16 and above, the initial stage involves evaluating recorded Quran recitations. Contestants are assessed on their voice, recitation quality and adherence to the rules of Tajweed.
Selected finalists will then move to the Ramadan stage in Dubai. They are expected to lead Taraweeh prayers at major mosques, allowing residents and worshippers to hear the finalists during the holy month.
The competition will then move to a public voting stage to select the winner of the title “Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World.” Public voting is scheduled to take place from 8 to 16 February 2027.
Participants aged 16 and under will also go through multiple evaluation stages, including remote live assessments, before progressing towards the final stage.
The award ceremony is planned for the second week of Ramadan, according to the competition schedule announced for the 29th edition.
Why has participation increased compared with the previous edition?
The record participation marks a major increase from the 28th edition.
The previous edition received 5,618 applications from 105 countries. The latest edition has increased participation to 20,500 applications from 135 countries.
The rise follows the introduction of the award’s new strategic vision, “In Search of the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World.”
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of direct applications. In previous editions, participants largely entered through nominations from official bodies or recognised institutions. The revised process gives eligible Quran reciters another route to participate.
The new format also places greater emphasis on public engagement. The Ramadan prayer programme and public voting stage are expected to make the competition more accessible to audiences beyond the judging panels.
What is the history of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award?
The Dubai International Holy Quran Award is one of Dubai’s long-running international Quranic initiatives and has brought together participants from countries across the world for nearly three decades.
Across its first 28 editions, the award has hosted 7,826 contestants from 123 countries and distributed more than Dh67 million in prize money.
The Global Quranic Personality Award has also honoured 24 individuals and three institutions for their contributions.
The 29th edition builds on this history while introducing a new structure focused on wider participation and public engagement.
For Dubai, the competition adds another major international programme to its Ramadan calendar, bringing selected Quran reciters and participants to the UAE for the final stages.
Why It Matters?
For UAE residents, the competition is expected to bring selected international Quran reciters to Dubai during Ramadan 2027, including appearances at major mosques for Taraweeh prayers.
For Quran reciters worldwide, the revised entry process provides wider access, while the prize structure offers significant recognition for top performers.
For Dubai, participation from 135 countries strengthens the award’s international reach and adds to the emirate’s cultural and religious calendar.
The next key stages include further evaluations, the selection of finalists and the Ramadan programme in Dubai, followed by public voting from 8 to 16 February 2027.
FAQs
How many applications did the Dubai International Holy Quran Award receive?
The 29th edition received a record 20,500 applications from 135 countries.
Which country submitted the highest number of applications?
Egypt submitted the most applications, with 6,838 entries. Indonesia, Pakistan and Syria followed.
What is the first-place prize in the Dubai International Holy Quran Award?
First place in each of the two main competition categories will receive $1 million.
When will public voting take place?
Public voting is scheduled from 8 to 16 February 2027 as part of the final stages of the 29th edition.
What is the Global Quranic Personality Award?
The Global Quranic Personality Award honours an individual recognised for making an important contribution to serving Islam and Muslim communities. The recipient of the award will receive $1 million.
With a record 20,500 applications from 135 countries and a prize fund exceeding Dh12 million, the 29th Dubai International Holy Quran Award is shaping up to be its largest edition so far. The expanded entry process, $1 million top prizes and Ramadan programme in Dubai are set to give the competition a wider global reach ahead of its final stages in 2027.
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