Dubai: The first 10 books in the ‘Ahl Dubai’ series, part of the Erth Dubai initiative, were launched at a signing ceremony at Al Shindagha Museum on Sunday, in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
The launch was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
Launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan, Erth Dubai seeks to document the emirate’s history and preserve its cultural and social heritage.
The 10 publications form the first instalment of the 100-book ‘Ahl Dubai’ series, with each volume chronicling the life of a member of Dubai’s community.
Drawing on stories and personal accounts contributed to Erth Dubai since its launch, the series aims to help future generations explore the emirate’s history through the experiences of its people.
Ahmed Saeed Al Sharid, General Coordinator of the Erth Dubai Initiative, thanked Her Highness Sheikha Latifa for attending the signing ceremony and praised her continued support for Dubai’s cultural sector and initiatives aimed at preserving the emirate’s cultural and social heritage.
Al Sharid said Erth Dubai was committed to fulfilling the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan by engaging the community in preserving Dubai’s collective memory and sharing its stories and experiences.
He said the ‘Ahl Dubai’ series offers a glimpse into lives that deserve to be documented for the knowledge, values and experiences they hold.
The first publications highlight the varied roles Dubai’s people have played in the emirate’s development, with contributions spanning trade, education, culture, community work and other fields.
Each person featured has a distinct story, and bringing the biographies together in a single documentary project provides a broader picture of Dubai’s society and the contributions of its people.
Al Sharid said Erth Dubai takes a broad view of cultural and social heritage, encompassing daily life, customs, occupations, relationships and personal experiences.
Documenting these aspects complements efforts to safeguard the emirate’s intangible heritage and provides a deeper understanding of Dubai’s history, society and transformation across generations.
The first 10 books chronicle the lives of His Excellency Juma Al Majid, Ahmed bin Dalmouk Al Falasi, Abdul Rahim Belghozooz Al Zarooni, Abdullah bin Quraish Al Falasi and Dr Mona Juma Al Bahr.
They also feature the late poet Mohammed Khalifa bin Hadhir, the late sea captain Mohammed bin Thani Al Falasi, the late Mohammed Saeed Al Sharid Al Falasi, the late Kulthum Hamad Al Suwaidi and the late Ahmed bin Dhabawi Al Falasi.
Participants expressed appreciation for Erth Dubai’s efforts to document the lives and experiences of the emirate’s people for current and future generations.
Erth Dubai continues to collect and document stories and life experiences tracing the emirate’s development and the lives of its people. The initiative encourages individuals and families to contribute to preserving Dubai’s social and cultural history and strengthening future generations’ connection to their heritage.