{
  "id": 5074876,
  "title": "Dubai International Holy Quran Award shortlists 424 contestants for 29th edition",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/dubai-international-holy-quran-award-shortlists-424-contestants-for",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T11:25:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/dubai-international-holy-quran-award-shortlists-424-contestants-for-29th-edition-1.500660723"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has shortlisted 424 contestants for the 29th edition, which will take place from September 1 to 14, 2027. Representing 46 nationalities, the shortlisted individuals hail from 46 countries, underscoring the global reach and prestige of the prestigious event. This latest edition has garnered a staggering 20,535 entries from 135 nationalities, further solidifying the award's standing as the premier platform for Quran recitation talent.\n\nAmong the contestants, 321 are male (over 16 years old), while 103 contestants (comprising 53 males and 50 females) belong to the under 16 category. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, the 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, noted the high level of competition showcased by the shortlisted talents. He emphasized the award's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of evaluation and fairness throughout the second stage of the competition.\n\nAl Muhairi expressed his gratitude to all shortlisted contestants, wishing them success in this crucial phase of the 29th edition. The rigorous screening process will assess voice quality, performance, and mastery of Tajweed, ensuring only the most exceptional Quran recitations advance to the finals. The judging panel will meticulously evaluate each participant's recitation against approved criteria, selecting the most beautiful Quran recitations to represent the talent of the region in the upcoming stages.\n\nThis is the 29th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, reinforcing its deep connection with the Quran among younger generations and providing a global platform for promising reciters to showcase their skills. The event offers a substantial prize pool, with a top prize of $1 million awarded to the winner. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, launched the new edition of the award, further honoring the legacy and vision of the UAE ruler in promoting the Quran.",
  "summary": "The Dubai International Holy Quran Award announced that 424 contestants representing 46 nationalities have advanced to the second stage of the award’s 29 th edition for 2027. The event will run between September 1 and 14 this year. The award’s latest edition has attracted wide, unprecedented international participation, with a total of 20,535 entries representing 135 nationalities, further…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}