His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, announced the 28th edition of the Dubai International Quran Award, focusing this year on finding the most beautiful Quranic voice in the world.

In a statement via his profile on the social media platform X, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the emotional and spiritual significance of the award, calling it beloved both in the hearts of the people and in the eyes of the divine.

He referred to the Quran as the greatest message from heaven to humanity, marking 28 years of honoring those who memorize the holy book and expressing a wish for God's blessings upon all.

The announcement comes alongside the formal launch of the 2026 edition of the Dubai International Quran Award, which corresponds to the year 1447 in the Hijri calendar.

This year’s theme aims to elevate the award’s international profile and reaffirm Dubai’s commitment to Quranic scholarship and memorization.

This year’s targeted initiative will see the total prize money increased to over 12 million dirhams, with the first-place winners in both male and female categories awarded one million dollars each.

For the first time, a dedicated category for females has been introduced, bringing the total number of award categories to three: Complete Quran Memorization for males, Complete Quran Memorization for females, and the Islamic Personality of the Year Award.

The redesign of the award's structure aims to broaden international participation, enhance financial rewards, and update the nomination, judging, and evaluation processes.

Aspirants can apply directly or be nominated through accredited Islamic centers, paving the way for wider global talent engagement.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Emirates Towers in Dubai, attended by Ahmed Darwish Al-Muhairi, General Director of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai International Quran Award Board of Trustees, alongside various dignitaries, scholars, and media representatives.

Ahmed Darwish Al-Muhairi highlighted that the award, supported by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, has evolved into a prestigious international platform celebrating Quran memorization and encouraging families and future generations to engage deeply with the text of the Quran.

Since its inception in 1997, the award has maintained its status as a leading global initiative, attracting thousands of participants from numerous countries and facilitating the discovery of emerging talents in Quranic recitation.

The judging process adheres to strict international standards, fostering a culture of competition centered around the Quran.

The current edition represents a significant shift in the award’s history, aiming to modernize its organizational aspects and enhance judgment criteria to promote a competitive environment for Quran memorization enthusiasts.

The Dubai International Quran Award’s objectives include encouraging the memorization of the Quran among both genders, fostering deep engagement with its teachings, and recognizing individuals and institutions that contribute substantially to Quranic education and outreach.

In the new edition, applicants must be proficient in the entire Quran and demonstrate mastery of its recitation rules.

The age limit for participants is set at 16 years on the date of registration, and previously top-ranking contestants who have reached the final rounds will not be eligible.

Registration for the award will be conducted through the official website, requiring candidates to submit personal information along with a video recitation.

The evaluation consists of three phases: an initial assessment of the video submission, subsequent remote evaluations for advanced participants, and final live assessments for the top performers during the award ceremony in Dubai.

Participation will open from May 21 to July 20, 2025, followed by evaluation phases leading up to the culmination of the event during the holy month of Ramadan.

The jury for the award will comprise experts qualified in Quranic recitation, with additional requirements ensuring their credentials in judging such competitions.

Moreover, the Islamic Personality of the Year award recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions to the Muslim community, enriching their social, educational, or cultural impact.

Over the past 27 years, the Dubai International Quran Award has achieved notable recognition, having welcomed 2,107 competitors from 91 countries, affirming its status as a key event in the global Islamic calendar.