The 29th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award has achieved an unprecedented milestone, drawing 20,500 applications from 135 countries. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this year’s competition sees a significant expansion in reach, fueled by a new, more inclusive registration process. For the first time, individuals can apply directly rather than solely relying on nominations from their home nations or Islamic centers. This shift, combined with a record-breaking prize pool of over Dh12 million, has attracted a diverse group of participants, with Egypt leading the numbers followed by Indonesia, Pakistan, and Syria.

The competition structure has also undergone a major transformation to crown the "Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World." Top contenders will be invited to Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan to lead Taraweeh prayers, with the final selection decided through public voting. The event is divided into two primary age brackets—those over 16 and those under 16—with the top winners in each category competing for a grand prize of $1 million. As the evaluation phase begins, the event continues to solidify its legacy, having already distributed over Dh67 million in prizes throughout its historic tenure.