The Crown Prince of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has officially launched the Erth Dubai Award. This is not simply a prize; it is described as one of the world’s largest initiatives dedicated to preserving cultural and social heritage. The entire initiative is inspired by the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reinforcing the belief that Dubai’s future success is built upon the strength of its history.
What is the Erth Dubai Award?
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has launched the Erth Dubai Award, a major initiative to collect and preserve the personal stories that have shaped the city. The core mission of the Erth Dubai Award is to strengthen the collective memory of the Emirate’s rapid transformation.Sheikh Hamdan emphasized this sentiment in his announcement on his official X account, stating, “Every family has a story, and every experience enriches Dubai’s journey.” The goal is to capture the living history of Dubai, the personal anecdotes, family archives, and lived experiences that show how a small town evolved into a global powerhouse. Every testimony shared through this program is considered a “national treasure” that reflects societal values and the critical role residents play in shaping the Emirate.
How to participate?
The program is structured to encourage widespread participation across the community and the public sector, making it accessible to storytellers of all backgrounds. There are two primary categories, with the Community track offering five distinct ways for individuals to submit their memories.
Community Submissions:
The initiative invites people of all age groups to share accounts across various formats:
- Family Histories: Documenting the multi-generational journey and legacy of families in Dubai.
- Documentation of Oral Heritage: Capturing spoken accounts, folklore, and verbal traditions.
- Creatively Recorded Stories: Submitting narratives through artistic mediums like film, photography, or creative writing.
- Stories Shared on Social Media: Recognizing narratives already published and shared across digital platforms.
- Narratives from Dubai Residents: General personal stories and diverse experiences from individuals who have made Dubai their home.
Institutional Submissions (Government and Private Entities)
A separate track includes two awards aimed at government and private institutions. These awards will honor organizations that have made significant contributions to the preservation and active sharing of Dubai’s heritage.
Legacy for future generations
To ensure this legacy continues, a schools campaign is being launched in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). This educational track will encourage students to actively document the stories of their parents and grandparents. This vital step is intended to connect young people with their roots and instill an appreciation for the pioneering generations.The Erth Dubai initiative is part of a larger government commitment to historical preservation, working alongside ongoing projects like the Dubai National Archives Project, overseen by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.Timeline:
- Submissions for the Erth Dubai Award are currently open.
- The final deadline for all entries is January 15, 2026.
- Submissions will be evaluated by specialized juries well-versed in the historical, social, and cultural aspects of the Emirate.
The Erth Dubai Award is more than a competition, it is an invitation from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed for every resident to become a storyteller of the city they call home. Whether your Dubai journey spans decades or just a few years, your memories play a part in shaping the city’s collective heritage. By sharing these stories today, you help preserve them for future generations and contribute to a living archive that celebrates Dubai’s spirit, diversity and evolution.
