The Dubai International Quran Award has reported an unprecedented level of interest in its upcoming 28th international competition for the year 2026. In just three weeks since the launch, registrations have surpassed 3,400 participants from 85 countries. This surge is attributed to significant enhancements implemented by the Board of Trustees, aimed at expanding the scope and outreach of the competition.
Record Participation and New Initiatives
According to Ahmed Darwish Al-Mehairi, General Director of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the remarkable turnout signifies the prestigious status of the Dubai International Quran Award. He noted, “This figure represents a significant leap compared to previous editions and highlights the competition’s global appeal.”
The introduction of a special category for female participants marks the first time women can compete in the prestigious event. Additionally, the competition has now allowed direct personal nominations, broadening participation avenues beyond traditional country or accredited Islamic center endorsements.
Evaluative Stages and Prize Enhancements
Acting Director of the Award, Ibrahim Jassim Al-Mansoori, emphasized that the evaluation process will consist of three primary stages. The initial stage requires participants to submit a high-quality three-minute video of their recitation. The first assessment will focus on the rules of Tajweed and performance quality. The subsequent stage will feature remote testing for qualified participants, while the final stage will showcase top contenders in-person in Dubai, culminating in an awards ceremony recognizing the best entrants in both male and female categories.
To ensure impartiality, the judging panel is selected based on rigorous criteria that guarantee fairness in evaluating contestants, while they will assess participants according to set standards for memorization, Tajweed, and performance.
Increased Prize Accessibility and Categories
This 28th edition of the Dubai International Quran Award has also seen a rise in the total prize pool, exceeding 12 million dirhams. Winners in both male and female categories will each receive a generous prize of one million dollars. Furthermore, the award for the Islamic Personality of the Year has been adjusted to one million dollars as well.
With the introduction of female categories, the competition now encompasses three distinct categories: complete memorization of the Quran for males, complete memorization for females, and the Islamic Personality of the Year. This fresh approach includes opportunities for nominations from personal submissions, Islamic centers, and official bodies everywhere, alongside updated judging and evaluation processes aimed at enhancing the performance quality of participants.
It is worth noting that the registration period opened on May 21 and will continue until July 20, followed by initial judging from July 1 to July 31, then remote evaluations until September 30. The final assessments and award ceremony are anticipated to take place in the second week of Ramadan.
As stated by Ahmed Darwish Al-Mehairi, “With the support of Mohammed bin Rashid, the Dubai International Quran Award continues to elevate its status as the foremost award honoring those who memorize the Quran, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a leader in the service of God’s Book.” Ibrahim Jassim Al-Mansoori further added that the three-stage evaluation process underscores the commitment to excellence within the Dubai International Quran Award.