Erth Dubai Award Launched: Sheikh Hamdan Unveils One of the World’s Largest Heritage Preservation Initiatives

Dubai has taken a big step in protecting its cultural narrative with the launch of the Erth Dubai Award. Plus,  Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, launches this initiative through the official X account. However, this campaign is being halted as one of the largest programs in the world dedicated to cultural and social heritage. 

Strong leadership and a long-term vision for heritage preservation back the award. In addition, it is created to bring generations together through the power of storytelling. Hence, it allows residents and citizens to document the experiences that shaped the identity of the city. 

Sheikh Hamdan’s Message: “Every Family Has a Story”

Sheikh Hamdan shared an inspiring message with the public to announce the initiative. He said on X, “Every family has a story, and every experience enriches the journey of Dubai. We launch the Erth Dubai Award to honour this legacy, one of the world’s largest initiatives celebrating cultural and social heritage.” 

Furthermore, he highlighted that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inspired the award. Hence, it highlights the belief of Dubai that its future strength lies in honouring and learning from its past.  Plus, this high-level endorsement highlights the national importance of the project and its alignment with the UAE’s cultural preservation strategies. 

Erth Dubai Award Categories: Celebrating Community Narratives and Institutional Efforts

The award is structured to ensure inclusive participation. In addition, it features 2 primary categories mentioned below:

1. Community category

This category welcomes narratives from residents, Emiratis, and long-term community members. Below is the list of five sub-awards in this category:

• Family Histories – Generational stories and legacies passed down within Dubai families.
• Documentation of Dubai’s Oral Heritage – Spoken traditions, memories, and community accounts.
• Creatively Recorded Stories – Artistic or innovative forms of storytelling.
• Stories Shared on Social Media – Digital narratives capturing modern Dubai life.
• Narratives from Dubai Residents – Experiences of individuals who call Dubai home, regardless of origin.

2. Government & Private Sector Category

This track includes 2 dedicated awards for institutions that are actively contributing to the preservation, documentation, and promotion of Dubai’s heritage. In addition, the award creates a unified platform for representing the diverse identity of the city through community and institutional contributions. 

Encouraging Public Participation Across Generations

The award is an open invitation to everyone connected to the emirate. Plus, this initiative motivates people to share their lived experience with someone who was born in Dubai or has made it their home for over a decade. 

All forms of storytelling are welcome from family archives, personal diaries, creative videos and social media posts. Hence, it ensures that the heritage of Dubai is captured through historical records, everyday moments, struggles, achievements, and memories.

The program highlights the belief of the city that community stories are valuable assets. Thus, it is capable of strengthening identity and boosting deeper cultural understanding.

Submissions Now Open Until 15 January 2026

Entries for the Erth Dubai Award are officially open now. However, the submission will be accepted until the 15th of January 2026. Plus, people and institutions are allowed to explore full guidelines and participation details through the official website erthdubai.ae. 

The award is now live. So, Dubai is setting the stage for a record-breaking cultural initiative that honours the past. Plus, it also empowers the future generations to contribute to the preservation of the evolving story of the city. 

Read more:

Nafis Award 2025–2026: UAE Shifts Emiratisation Focus From Numbers to Quality Employment

Dubai Run 2025: Road Closures, Toll Changes, Routes & Registration Details Explained

VEO Ride Returns to Dubai Creek Harbour for 2025: Community Fitness, Scenic Views & a Cause