Dubai: The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has announced that 424 contestants representing 46 nationalities have advanced to the second stage of the Award's 29th edition for 2027, which runs from 1st to 14th September 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Award's latest edition has attracted wide international participation, with a total of 20,535 entries representing 135 nationalities, further affirming its global status and wide reach as a premier platform for Quran recitation talent.
The Award reported that 321 contestants in the Male (over 16) category advanced to the second stage, along with 103 contestants (53 males and 50 females) in the Male and Female (under 16) category.
Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, emphasized the high level of competition, noting that the initial stage revealed inspiring voices, excellent performance, and mastery of Quran recitation and Tajweed.
Al Muhairi added that the Award aims to serve as a global platform for showcasing recitation talent, reflecting Dubai's leading role in serving the Quran. He stated, 'The shortlisted participants represent 46 nationalities, underscoring the Award's mission to promote moderation, tolerance, and Islamic values. We are confident these finalists will inspire younger generations to embrace and master Quran recitation.'
Shortlisted contestants will undergo rigorous screening between 1st and 14th September to assess voice quality, performance, and Tajweed, with the judging panel evaluating participants' recitation and proficiency to select the most beautiful Quran recitations for the next stage.
With 20,535 entries from 135 nationalities, the 29th edition reflects the evolution of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award into a premier global platform for outstanding recitation talent. The Award continues its mission to serve the Holy Quran, encourage memorization and recitation, and discover exceptional talent globally, reinforcing a deep connection with the Quran among younger generations.