Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has officially announced the launch of the 29th Dubai International Holy Quran Award. This prestigious global competition, which honors individuals dedicated to memorizing the Holy Quran, will distribute a total prize pool of $3.3 million. Since its inception, the award has become a beacon for Quranic talent, having hosted over 7,800 contestants from more than 120 countries and distributing over Dh67 million in rewards. Reflecting on the initiative, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of continuing the tradition of honoring those who preserve the words of God, with the winners of this year’s competition set to be celebrated during Ramadan 2027.

The upcoming edition introduces significant structural updates, categorizing contestants by age and experience level to encourage wider participation. The competition is divided into three main categories: male contestants aged 16 and older, male and female participants aged 16 and under, and the esteemed Global Quranic Personality award for those who have made significant contributions to the Islamic world. A unique highlight of this year’s event is the addition of public engagement, where top-tier finalists will be invited to Dubai to lead Taraweeh prayers at local mosques. This will allow the public to participate in selecting the "most beautiful Quran recitation" via a voting process. Interested applicants can submit their entries, including a short recitation video, through the official website between July 7 and August 15, 2026.