Dubai International Holy Quran Award (1448H / 2027)

The Dubai International Holy Quran Award is one of the largest Quran competitions in the world. It is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The 29th edition (1448H / 2027) at a glance

  • Applications: 20,500 from 135 countries, the most in the award’s history. Registration closed in August 2026.
  • Categories: men over 16, and boys and girls under 16. There is also a Global Quranic Personality award.
  • Prizes: 1 million US dollars for first place in each main category, 100,000 dollars for second and 50,000 dollars for third, plus 1 million dollars for the Global Quranic Personality. The total prize fund is over 12 million dirhams.
  • Under-16 judging: live video judging from 1 to 14 September 2026.
  • Public vote: 8 to 16 February 2027, to choose the “Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World”.
  • Finals: selected finalists are invited to Dubai during Ramadan 2027 to lead Taraweeh at major mosques.

How to apply

Individuals can now apply directly, as well as through nomination by their country or an accredited Islamic centre. Applications open through the award’s official website, quran.gov.ae. Watch it for the 30th edition announcement; the 29th edition opened in July.

Since it began, the award has welcomed 7,826 contestants from 123 countries over 28 editions.

Dubai competitions in our directory

2 upcoming, 4 past

Qur'anUpcoming

29th Dubai International Holy Quran Award (1448H)

Category
Hifz & Tilawah (international)
Date
Online heats Jul – Sep 2026; final & ceremony Ramadan 2027
Location
Dubai, UAE
Website
Qur'an HifzUpcoming

Rayaheen Al Quran Competition – 28th Edition (Parents' Category)

Category
Hifz (parents)
Date
2026–27 (registration closed 30 Sep 2026)
Location
Al Mamzar, Dubai, UAE
Website
Past competitions (4)
HifzPast

Iqra Wartaqi (اقرأ وارتق) Quran Competition

Category
Hifz
Date
2 June 2026 (written 2-6-26)
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Website
Qur'anPast

28th Dubai Int'l Holy Qur'an Award

Category
Qur'an (Male & Female)
Date
Closed 2 Mar 2026
Location
Dubai, UAE
WebsiteYouTube
Qur'anPast

Dubai Intl Holy Quran Award (IHQA) — 28th

Category
Qur'an & Hifz
Date
Ramadan 2026
Location
Dubai, UAE
Website
AdhanPast

Muezzin Al Freej Challenge 2026 (IACAD)

Category
Adhan (children)
Date
Winners announced 14 Feb 2026
Location
Dubai, UAE
Website

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Questions

How much does the Dubai International Holy Quran Award pay?

For the 1448H/2027 edition, first place in each main category wins 1 million US dollars, second place 100,000 dollars and third place 50,000 dollars.

Can I still apply for the 2027 edition?

No. Registration for the 29th edition closed in August 2026. Watch quran.gov.ae for the next edition.