His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has honoured the winners of the 'Erth Dubai Awards', recognising their contributions to preserving the emirate’s cultural and social heritage.
The awards are among the largest initiatives dedicated to documenting Dubai’s living memory, with a focus on strengthening national identity and promoting community participation in preserving heritage.
The ceremony, held at the Museum of the Future, took place in the presence of senior leaders, including His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE.
Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai’s global success is rooted in a strong cultural identity and a commitment to preserving its history.
He highlighted the importance of documenting the emirate’s social and cultural journey as a foundation for sustainable development.
More than 25,000 submissions were received from individuals, institutions and schools, all contributing to the shared story of Dubai.
Over the past year, the initiative has generated more than 14 million interactions and produced over 16,000 archival materials, including historical photographs and rare documents.
The grand prize, valued at AED 1 million, was awarded to Nasser bin Ahmed bin Issa bin Nasser Al Serkal for his outstanding work in documenting Dubai’s heritage.
Winners were also recognised across multiple categories, including family heritage, oral history, creative documentation and social media contributions, alongside awards for residents and institutions.
Ghith Mattar Sultan Al Qamzi won in the Best Family Heritage Documentation category; Ahmed Ayoub Mohammed Noor Abdul Karim won for Best Oral Heritage Documentation, Abdulrahim Mohammed Balghoz Al Zarouni was adjudged winner in the Best Creatively Documented Entry, and Mohammed Sultan bin Thani won the Best Social Media Contribution category.
Shaukat Ali Rana Mohammed Rafi was recognised for Best Contribution by a Resident, highlighting Dubai’s cultural diversity.
Among institutions, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority emerged as the Best Government Entity, Uncle’s Shop was adjudged Best Private Sector Entity, and New Academy School earned the tag of Best Educational Institution, in recognition of their support for the initiative and their community engagement.
Officials say the Erth Dubai initiative will continue to expand, with plans to publish 100 books documenting residents’ stories, helping preserve the emirate’s cultural legacy for future generations.
Mohammed bin Rashid, in the presence of Hamdan bin Mohammed, honours the winners of the ‘Erth Dubai Awards,’ one of the largest awards dedicated to cultural and social documentation, for their contributions to preserving Dubai’s living memory, strengthening its national identity,… pic.twitter.com/VmRPSVFmCA
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 30, 2026
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