Dubai: The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has received a record 20,500 applications from 135 countries for its 29th edition in 2027, marking the largest international participation in the history of Quran competitions worldwide.Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the award has witnessed unprecedented global engagement following the launch of its new vision, "In Search of the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World."The initiative introduced direct personal applications alongside the traditional nomination system through countries and accredited Islamic centres, significantly expanding participation opportunities for aspiring contestants worldwide.The revamped format also features the largest prize pool in the history of Quran awards, with total prizes exceeding AED12 million.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, said the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has transformed Dubai into a global centre for learning, memorising and promoting the Holy Quran.He said the unprecedented participation demonstrates the success of the award's developmental vision in serving the Quran and strengthening future generations' connection to its teachings and values."Today, with these record numbers of participants, the award's impact extends across a vast geographical and human landscape around the world," Al Muhairi said.Global participationApplications were submitted from across the Arab and Islamic world as well as Muslim communities in non-Muslim countries on every continent.The countries with the highest number of applications were:Egypt: 6,838Indonesia: 1,923Pakistan: 1,862Syria: 1,511The Male Category (Over 16 years) attracted 14,040 applications, while the Male and Female Category (Under 16 years) received 6,495 applications, including 2,394 female contestants.US$1 million top prizesUnder the new structure:First place in the Male Category (Over 16 years): US$1 millionFirst place in the Male and Female Category (Under 16 years): US$1 millionSecond place in each category: US$100,000Third place in each category: US$50,000Global Quranic Personality Award: US$1 millionTaraweeh recitations and public votingA landmark feature of the 29th edition will see a select group of finalists invited to Dubai during Ramadan to lead Taraweeh prayers at major mosques across the emirate.Public voting will then determine the winners of the title "Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World."For the Over-16 category, contestants who pass the initial evaluation stage based on Tajweed, vocal quality and recitation excellence will advance to public voting following their Ramadan recitations.Voting will take place from 8 to 16 February 2027.For the Under-16 category, the second stage will be conducted through live video judging from 1 to 14 September 2026, before finalists advance to the public voting stage in February 2027.Global legacySince its launch, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award has become one of the most prestigious Quran competitions worldwide.Over 28 editions, the award has:Hosted 7,826 contestantsAttracted participants from 123 countriesDistributed more than AED67 million in prizesHonoured 24 individuals and three institutions with the Global Quranic Personality AwardThe organisers said all submissions are currently undergoing rigorous evaluation based on Tajweed mastery, vocal excellence, recitation quality and overall performance to identify the finest Quranic voices for the next stages of the competition.
