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 launched a comprehensive initiative to document the emirate’s history through community narratives and personal experiences, marking a significant step in preserving Dubai’s cultural heritage.
‘Erth Dubai’ aims to create a repository of stories that showcase the emirate’s transformation across generations.
The programme, which operates under the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, will gather accounts from community members to chronicle Dubai’s development journey, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) said in a statement.
Dubai Crown Prince launches ‘Erth Dubai’ heritage documentation initiative
In his announcement, Sheikh Hamdan, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, emphasised the initiative’s significance in strengthening the emirate’s collective memory.
“Erth Dubai will ensure that our cultural legacy not only endures but also continues to inspire future generations, reinforcing our commitment to preserving the emirate’s cultural identity – a cornerstone that has strengthened Dubai’s renaissance and progress to this day. Through this initiative, we will safeguard the legacy of our ancestors, ensuring it is passed down to our children and grandchildren,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
The Crown Prince highlighted the role of previous generations in shaping Dubai’s current status. “Dubai’s journey is a story of ambition, resilience, and unity. It began with the vision of our ancestors, was carried forward by our fathers, and continues to evolve through the efforts of the current generation. Our shared heritage and values are the bedrock upon which we will continue to build, driving Dubai towards even greater heights.”
The initiative will proceed in multiple phases throughout 2025. The first phase focuses on collecting submissions from community members, followed by an evaluation stage where a specialist jury with expertise in historical, social, and cultural perspectives will assess the contributions.
Sheikh Hamdan called for collaboration among government entities to ensure the programme’s success.
He urged participation from all segments of society, including school students, families, business leaders, officials, and individuals, emphasising the importance of their contributions to the initiative.
“Every recorded testimony and every story shared through this initiative is a national treasure that reflects the values of our society and highlights the vital role each Emirati has played in shaping Dubai’s history. It is our shared responsibility to document our history and safeguard this legacy as a source of pride and inspiration for future generations,” he added.
The programme includes the development of an interactive platform designed to collect historical and cultural accounts from individuals and families. These narratives will include various aspects of life in Dubai, including personal achievements, daily experiences, and family histories, creating a digital archive that captures the emirate’s cultural depth and community spirit.
In collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the initiative will launch a schools campaign encouraging students to document their parents’ and grandparents’ stories.
This aspect of the programme aims to help younger generations connect with their roots and understand the experiences that have shaped Dubai’s development.
The initiative extends beyond individual stories to include comprehensive accounts of Dubai’s history, documenting notable contributions to its growth and evolution over time. Public and private school students, along with Dubai government employees, will be invited to participate in gathering and documenting these experiences.
‘Erth Dubai’ forms part of a series of ongoing projects launched by Sheikh Hamdan to showcase Dubai’s journey. It complements the Dubai National Archives Project, which operates under the supervision of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.
This broader project aims to preserve significant accounts of Dubai’s history and heritage according to international standards, ensuring the documentation and archiving of government records, achievements, and cultural heritage for future generations.
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