The Dubai Quran Award, one of the world’s most prestigious Islamic competitions, has officially launched its 28th edition for 2026. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, this year’s event promises to be bigger and more inclusive than ever. With a new vision titled “In Search of the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation,” the award aims to elevate its global standing while honoring those who dedicate their lives to the Holy Quran. This article dives into the exciting updates, categories, and what makes this edition a landmark moment for the Islamic world.
A New Era for the Dubai Quran Award
The Dubai Quran Award has been a beacon of Quranic excellence since 1997. Organized by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD), this year’s edition introduces groundbreaking changes. For the first time, women will compete in a dedicated category for full Quran memorization, marking a historic step toward inclusivity. The award now features three categories: full Quran memorization for males, full Quran memorization for females, and the Islamic Personality of the Year award.
Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of IACAD and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, announced these developments at a press conference at Creators HQ, Emirates Towers, Dubai. He emphasized that the award’s mission is to promote the noble values of Islam and honor those who master the art of Quranic recitation. “This is not just a competition; it’s a global platform to celebrate the Quran’s beauty and inspire millions,” he said.
Record-Breaking Prize Money
The 28th edition of the Dubai Quran Award offers a staggering prize pool exceeding AED12 million (approximately USD3.3 million). The top winner in each memorization category—male and female—will receive USD1 million, making it one of the most lucrative Quranic competitions worldwide. This substantial prize money reflects Dubai’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence in Quranic recitation and memorization.
- Total Prize Pool: Over AED12 million.
- Top Prize: USD1 million for the first-place winner in each memorization category.
- Additional Rewards: Participants scoring 80% or higher receive AED30,000, ensuring broad recognition.
These financial incentives aim to motivate young reciters and highlight the global significance of the competition. Posts on X have echoed this excitement, with users praising the award’s generous prizes and its role as a “beacon of Quranic excellence.”
Who Can Participate?
The Dubai Quran Award sets high standards for its participants to ensure only the best reciters compete. Here are the eligibility criteria for the 2026 edition:
- Full Quran Memorization: Participants must have memorized the entire Quran with proficiency in Tajweed (the rules of Quranic recitation).
- Age Limit: Contestants must be 16 years or younger at the time of registration, a change from the previous limit of 25 years.
- No Prior Finalists: Participants who reached the final stages or were honored in previous editions are ineligible.
- Open to All Nationalities: The competition welcomes reciters from over 160 countries, fostering global participation.
This year’s inclusion of a female category has been widely celebrated. Social media posts on X highlight the enthusiasm, with one user calling it “a historic moment for women in Quranic competitions.”
A Vision for the Most Beautiful Recitation
The theme for the 28th edition, “In Search of the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation,” underscores the award’s focus on the artistry of Quranic delivery. Beyond memorization, participants are judged on their mastery of Tajweed, voice modulation, and emotional connection to the verses. This vision aims to inspire a new generation to engage with the Quran not just as a text but as a living, soul-stirring experience.
The award’s organizing committee has introduced innovative judging criteria to emphasize recitation quality. “We’re looking for voices that touch hearts and reflect the Quran’s divine beauty,” said a spokesperson during the press conference. This focus has already sparked interest worldwide, with posts on X describing the award as “a celebration of the Quran’s universal appeal.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Since its inception, the Dubai Quran Award has grown into a global hub for Quranic scholarship. Over the past 27 years, it has honored thousands of memorizers and reciters from diverse backgrounds. The award’s various initiatives, such as the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mus’haf and the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Quranic Manuscripts, have furthered its mission to preserve and promote the Quran.
The event has also recognized prominent figures through its Islamic Personality of the Year award. Past recipients include Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum himself, honored in 2025 by the Emirates International Holy Quran Award for his contributions to Quranic initiatives. This legacy continues to inspire participants and organizers alike.
Global Impact and Community Engagement
The Dubai Quran Award is more than a competition; it’s a movement to foster Islamic values and unity. The event attracts scholars, reciters, and audiences from around the world, creating a vibrant platform for cultural and religious exchange. In 2024, the 27th edition featured 70 contestants from 40 nationalities, showcasing the award’s global reach.
Dubai’s broader initiatives, like the “Quran in Every Home” campaign, complement the award’s goals. Launched in 2025, this program distributes Quran copies to households and mosques, ensuring accessibility and promoting religious awareness. These efforts reflect Dubai’s commitment to nurturing a Quran-centered community.
How to Get Involved
Interested in participating or supporting the Dubai Quran Award? Here’s how you can engage:
- Participants: Register through the official IACAD website (iacad.gov.ae) by the specified deadline. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and prepare for rigorous testing.
- Spectators: Attend the live events during Ramadan 2026 at the Cultural and Scientific Association in Al Mamzar, Dubai.
- Supporters: Follow updates on social media platforms like X, where the award’s official account (@dubaiquranaward) shares news and highlights.
The award also encourages community involvement through volunteering and sponsorship opportunities. Organizations like Union Coop have supported the event as platinum sponsors, contributing to its success.
Looking Ahead to Ramadan 2026
The 28th edition of the Dubai Quran Award will take place during Ramadan 2026, a time when the Quran’s significance resonates deeply. The competition will run until the 13th of Ramadan, featuring intense recitation sessions judged by a panel of renowned scholars. The event promises to be a spiritual and cultural highlight, drawing global attention to Dubai’s role as a leader in Islamic initiatives.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressed his pride in the award, stating, “The Quran is the closest to the heart and the closest to Allah. For 28 years, we have honored its memorizers, and today we search for the most beautiful voice.” His words capture the essence of the award’s mission to elevate the Quran’s presence in hearts worldwide.
Why This Matters
The Dubai Quran Award is not just about competition; it’s about celebrating the Quran’s timeless message. By introducing a female category, offering unprecedented prizes, and focusing on the beauty of recitation, the 28th edition sets a new standard for Quranic competitions. It invites young reciters to showcase their talents, inspires communities to engage with the Quran, and reinforces Dubai’s position as a global Islamic hub.
Whether you’re a participant, a supporter, or simply someone inspired by the Quran’s beauty, the Dubai Quran Award 2026 is an event to watch. Stay tuned for updates, and let the search for the most beautiful recitation begin!
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