Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Strengthens Dubai’s Cultural Legacy by Honouring Erth Dubai Awards Winners
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently honoured the recipients of the ‘Erth Dubai Awards.’ The ceremony took place at the Museum of the Future and was attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. This initiative is one of the largest efforts aimed at cultural and social documentation, recognising significant contributions to preserving Dubai’s living memory and enhancing national identity.
Celebrating Cultural Contributions
The awards ceremony highlighted the importance of community involvement in documenting the rich tapestry of Dubai’s history. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan remarked that Dubai’s ascent to global leadership is deeply rooted in a strong identity and living memory, which are integral to its development model. He emphasised that preserving heritage and documenting cultural transformations fortifies society’s capacity for confident progress, ensuring sustainable growth that harmonises authenticity with modernity.
Sheikh Hamdan noted that the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed has firmly embedded cultural identity within Dubai’s developmental framework. He stated that documenting collective memory is a strategic choice that enhances Dubai’s reputation as a global model of leadership and cultural depth.
A Record of Participation
Sheikh Hamdan announced that the awards received an impressive 25,000 submissions from citizens, residents, institutions, and schools, all unified by the narrative of Dubai. He expressed gratitude to the winners and all contributors to the documentation of the emirate’s heritage. He stated, “Whoever does not document their legacy will be forgotten by time, but Dubai will not be forgotten.”
The Crown Prince further highlighted that Dubai has always been a welcoming home for diverse stories and ambitions. He pointed out that the documentation of the city’s development serves as a valuable knowledge legacy for future generations, reinforcing identity and belonging.
Community Engagement and Legacy
Sheikh Hamdan also noted that the strong community engagement with the awards reflects an increasing awareness among Dubai’s residents of their role in documenting history. He asserted that this responsibility extends beyond institutions to society as a whole. The Government of Dubai remains committed to supporting and sustaining this legacy as a source of inspiration for the future.
He added that the true value of the awards transcends mere recognition, contributing to a society rooted in authenticity and pride. The creativity displayed across all categories serves as evidence that Dubai’s heritage remains vibrant through its people.
Achievements of the Erth Dubai Initiative
Since its inception, the Erth Dubai initiative has recorded over 14 million interactions across its platforms, garnering 25,238 submissions from 54 private and 38 government entities. The initiative has produced 16,128 documentation materials, including historical photographs and rare documents, creating a comprehensive archive that enriches Dubai’s cultural and social heritage.
Award Categories and Winners
The Grand Prize, valued at AED 1 million, was awarded to Nasser bin Ahmed bin Issa bin Nasser Al Serkal for his exceptional contribution to documenting Dubai’s cultural and social heritage. Other notable winners included:
- Best Family Heritage Documentation: Ghith Mattar Sultan Al Qamzi
- Best Oral Heritage Documentation: Ahmed Ayoub Mohammed Noor Abdul Karim
- Best Creatively Documented Entry: Abdulrahim Mohammed Balghoz Al Zarouni
- Best Social Media Contribution: Mohammed Sultan bin Thani
In the resident category, Shaukat Ali Rana Mohammed Rafi was recognised for Best Contribution by a Resident, showcasing Dubai’s cultural diversity. Among institutions, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority was named Best Government Entity, Uncle’s Shop was recognised as Best Private Sector Entity, and New Academy School was awarded Best Educational Institution for their support of the initiative.
Evaluation and Future Plans
All submissions were evaluated by a specialised jury chaired by His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation. The jury included experts from various fields, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the contributions.
The Erth Dubai initiative announced plans to publish 100 books featuring stories from Dubai’s residents in its next phase. This effort aims to create accessible references for the public and researchers, further enriching the city’s cultural identity. The initiative continues to encourage online submissions, inviting the community to document their stories and experiences to preserve Dubai’s cultural and social heritage for future generations.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-04-30 21:45:00 • By the Editorial Desk
