AED5 Million Prize Fund to Honour Individuals and Organisations Preserving Dubai’s Heritage
His Highness 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, has announced the launch of the Erth Dubai Award, one of the world’s largest recognitions for excellence in cultural and heritage preservation. Organised under the umbrella of the Erth Dubai initiative, the award celebrates individuals and organisations that have made outstanding efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage, highlighting stories that reflect the richness of Emirati identity.
The Crown Prince emphasised that Dubai’s cultural heritage is integral to the emirate’s progress and excellence. “Societies that cherish and preserve their heritage are better positioned to build their future with confidence, guided by values that inspire stability and strength,” Sheikh Hamdan stated. He noted that Dubai’s development model, driven by authenticity, innovation, and visionary leadership, successfully integrates heritage with modernity, defining the city’s identity and ensuring sustainable progress.
The Erth Dubai Award aims to encourage wide community participation, inviting citizens, residents, and public and private institutions to submit stories and experiences that capture Dubai’s cultural and social life. The award comprises two main categories—community, and government and private sector—with seven sub-categories in total. A grand prize of AED1 million will be presented to the best overall entry, while each sub-category winner will receive AED500,000. Awards in the community category include Best Creatively Documented Story, Best Story to Document Family Legacy, Best Story Documented on Social Media, Best Documenter of Dubai’s Oral Heritage, and Best Dubai Resident Story.
Entries from the private sector and government entities will also be recognised for their contributions supporting the Erth Dubai initiative. Submissions are open to all members of society, with preference given to stories that authentically capture the essence of Emirati identity.
Winners will be honoured at an official ceremony in the first quarter of next year, and all submissions will be preserved in an interactive digital archive accessible to researchers, cultural institutions, and the public, ensuring that Dubai’s heritage is safeguarded and shared for generations to come.
Launched in February 2025, the Erth Dubai initiative has already seen strong community engagement, attracting thousands of submissions documenting the emirate’s social, cultural, and heritage transformations over the decades.
