Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, has formally launched the 29th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award for 2027. The upcoming cycle institutes a restructured prize format and an interactive selection process built around the initiative's updated developmental vision, "In Search of the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World."

Total prize allocation for the 29th edition exceeds 12 million United Arab Emirates dirhams (AED). Under the revised criteria, three separate categories will each award a top prize of $1 million: the Male Category for individuals over 16 years old, the mixed Male and Female Category for individuals under 16 years old, and the Global Quranic Personality distinction. Second-place and third-place winners in the recitation categories will receive $100,000 and $50,000, respectively.

To increase public engagement, organizers are introducing a two-stage evaluation process for older contestants and a three-stage process for younger participants. A select group of semifinalists will be brought to Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan to lead Taraweeh prayers at prominent mosques across the emirate. The final winners of the recitation awards will then be determined by a public vote scheduled to take place between February 8 and February 16, 2027.

The application window opens July 7, 2026, and closes August 15, 2026. Eligible participants can apply directly via the award’s official portal by submitting standard identification documents alongside a three-minute video recording to verify vocal quality and adherence to Tajweed rules.

Established in 1997, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award has registered 7,826 contestants from 123 countries over its 28-year history, distributing more than AED 67 million in total prize money since its inception.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.