Dubai, United Arab Emirates—To solidify its commitment to preserving cultural identity and historical narratives, Dubai has unveiled the Erth Dubai Award, a major international initiative celebrating excellence in heritage documentation and preservation. Announced Monday, November 24, 2025, by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, the program is positioned as one of the world’s largest recognitions dedicated to cultural safeguarding, featuring a substantial prize pool exceeding AED 5 million (approximately US$1.36 million) to incentivize participation across governmental, private, and community sectors.
The award is the cornerstone of the broader Erth Dubai initiative, launched earlier this year to meticulously document the emirate’s social, cultural, and historical evolution. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that Dubai’s ambitious future trajectory remains intrinsically linked to its deeply rooted historical and cultural foundation. He noted that societies that honor and preserve their heritage are better equipped to pursue progress with confidence, anchored by shared values and strength. This philosophy aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, which successfully merges authenticity and innovation to create a distinct global development model.
Promoting Collective Memory and Documentation
The Erth Dubai Award seeks to transform historical preservation from an institutional task into a collective national responsibility. By documenting cultural heritage and community memories, the initiative aims to create a living legacy accessible to future generations. Sheikh Hamdan urged citizens and residents to actively participate, contributing personal accounts and experiences that enrich the emirate’s historical record.
The award structure is designed to draw wide-ranging submissions, featuring two main categories—the Community Category and the Government and Private Sector Category—which encompass seven specific sub-categories. A top grand prize of AED 1 million will be awarded to the overall best entry, with individual sub-category winners each receiving AED 500,000.
Key Submission Categories
The Community Category specifically recognizes diverse forms of documentation and storytelling, including:
- Best Creatively Documented Story
- Best Story to Document Family’s Legacy
- Best Story Documented on Social Media
- Best Documenter of Dubai’s Oral Heritage
- Best Dubai Resident Story
The Government and Private Sector awards recognize entities that demonstrate outstanding engagement and support for the Erth Dubai initiative. Preference is given to entries that compellingly capture the essence of Emirati identity and the local social fabric through authentic documentation.
How to Participate
Submissions are open to all, including citizens and residents, and must be entered through the official Erth Dubai website (https://erthdubai.ae) or via the dedicated Erth Dubai mobile application, available on the Apple Store and Google Play. The application window is currently open, with a submission deadline set for January 15, 2026.
Following the submission period, all entries will be archived within an interactive digital repository. This comprehensive archive will serve as a permanent resource for researchers, cultural institutions, and the wider public, maximizing the long-term historical and cultural value of the contributions. Winners are scheduled to be recognized at an official ceremony during the first quarter of 2026. This extensive effort underscores Dubai’s commitment to weaving its rich past seamlessly into its innovative future, establishing a global benchmark for heritage preservation in a rapidly modernizing society.