His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honoured the winners of the Erth Dubai Awards at a special ceremony held at the Museum of the Future, marking a major step in preserving Dubai’s cultural and social heritage. The initiative, which has already seen massive community participation, also revealed plans to publish 100 books documenting the stories of Dubai’s people.
A Cultural Initiative Rooted in Dubai’s Identity
The Erth Dubai Awards have quickly grown into one of the UAE’s most significant cultural initiatives. Focused on documenting Dubai’s living memory, the programme encourages residents, citizens, institutions, and students to capture stories that reflect the emirate’s journey.
During the ceremony, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted how Dubai’s rise as a global city is closely tied to its strong cultural identity. He noted that preserving heritage is not just about the past—it plays a key role in shaping a confident and sustainable future.
He also emphasised that documenting social and cultural transformations strengthens national awareness and creates a deeper sense of belonging across communities.
Over 25,000 Submissions Reflect Dubai’s Diverse Story
One of the most striking highlights of the initiative is the scale of participation. Over 25,000 submissions were received within just 12 months, showcasing stories from across Dubai’s multicultural population.
These contributions came from individuals, schools, and both government and private entities. Together, they created more than 16,000 pieces of documented content, including rare photographs, oral histories, and archival material.
This level of engagement reflects a growing awareness among residents about the importance of preserving personal and collective memories. It also reinforces Dubai’s position as a city where every individual story contributes to a larger narrative.
Recognising Excellence Across Categories
The awards celebrated contributors across multiple categories, recognising efforts in documenting family heritage, oral history, and creative storytelling.
The prestigious Grand Prize of Dh1 million was awarded to Nasser bin Ahmed bin Issa bin Nasser Al Serkal for his exceptional contribution to preserving Dubai’s cultural memory.
Other winners included:
- Ghith Mattar Sultan Al Qamzi for Best Family Heritage Documentation
- Ahmed Ayoub Mohammed Noor Abdul Karim for Best Oral Heritage Documentation
- Abdulrahim Mohammed Balghoz Al Zarouni for Best Creatively Documented Entry
- Mohammed Sultan bin Thani for Best Social Media Contribution
In the resident category, Shaukat Ali Rana Mohammed Rafi was recognised, highlighting the role of expatriates in shaping Dubai’s cultural landscape.
Among institutions, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority was named Best Government Entity, while Uncle’s Shop and New Academy School were also honoured for their contributions.
A Community Effort Beyond Recognition
What sets the Erth Dubai initiative apart is its focus on community involvement rather than just awards. According to Sheikh Hamdan, the real value lies in building a society grounded in authenticity and pride.
He pointed out that documenting history is no longer limited to official institutions. Instead, it has become a shared responsibility across society.
This shift reflects Dubai’s inclusive approach, where both long-time residents and new communities are encouraged to contribute their experiences. It ensures that the city’s story remains dynamic, diverse, and relevant for future generations.
100 Books to Capture Dubai’s Living Memory
Looking ahead, the Erth Dubai initiative has announced an ambitious next phase—publishing 100 books based on collected stories.
These books aim to serve as accessible references for researchers, residents, and future generations. They will capture everything from personal experiences to major cultural shifts, offering a deeper understanding of Dubai’s evolution.
With more than 14 million interactions recorded across its platforms, the initiative has already proven its impact. The upcoming publications are expected to further strengthen Dubai’s cultural archive and global reputation as a city that values its heritage.
The Erth Dubai Awards highlight how storytelling can bring a city’s history to life. By recognising contributors and encouraging widespread participation, the initiative is helping preserve Dubai’s identity in a meaningful way.
As plans move forward to publish 100 books, Dubai continues to set an example of how modern cities can balance rapid growth with cultural preservation.
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