In a groundbreaking move, the 28th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA) will now include a dedicated category for female reciters for the first time, with each of the top male and female winners set to receive $1 million.
This milestone was confirmed during the announcement of the award’s expanded format, which now boasts a record-breaking total prize pool of over Dh12 million—approximately $3.3 million—making it the most generous in its history, Gulf News reported.
Alongside the new category for girls, the award will continue to recognize outstanding male reciters and the Islamic Personality of the Year, each winner also receiving a $1 million prize.
Open to participants from around the world, the competition has also adjusted its age limit, now accepting entries from individuals aged 16 and below. Entrants may join individually or through nominations by recognized Quranic institutions in their home countries. However, those who have previously reached the final rounds or received honors in past editions are ineligible.
The theme for this year’s award is “In search of the most beautiful Quran recitation,” underscoring the organizers’ commitment to discovering exceptional talent and spiritual depth in Quranic performance.
Registrations are ongoing until July 20, with initial video evaluations scheduled from July 1 to 31. Remote assessments will follow from September 1 to 30, leading up to the final in-person judging during the second week of Ramadan in 2026.
The award’s judging panel will include highly qualified scholars proficient in at least seven to ten Quranic readings. Judges must have prior international experience and a strong foundation in Tajweed, recitation techniques, and Quran memorization.
Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Chairman of the DIHQA Board of Trustees, emphasized the award’s global role: “By the grace of Allah and the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award has become a prestigious global platform for honouring Quran memorisers and promoting the noble values of Islam, such as tolerance, peace, and moderation.”
Since its inception in 1997, DIHQA has welcomed over 2,100 participants from 91 countries. This year’s expanded format is expected to draw its most diverse and engaged group of contestants to date.
