Mohammed bin Rashid honours winners of Erth Dubai Awards

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, honoured the winners of the 'Erth Dubai Awards' in the presence 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. The awards, one of the largest initiatives dedicated to cultural and social documentation, recognise contributions to preserving Dubai’s living memory, strengthening national identity, and enhancing community documentation as a pillar of collective awareness and identity. The ceremony took place on Thursday at the Museum of the Future, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee; Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and His Highness Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated, along with a number of ministers and senior officials. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan said that Dubai’s journey towards global leadership is rooted in a strong identity and a living memory that form an integral part of its development model. He noted that preserving heritage and documenting cultural and social transformations strengthens society’s ability to progress with confidence, ensuring sustainable growth that balances authenticity and modernity. His Highness stated that the visionary leadership and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum have firmly embedded history and cultural identity within Dubai’s development, stressing that documenting collective memory is a strategic choice that reinforces Dubai’s standing as a global model of leadership and cultural depth. “Today, we honoured the winners of one of the most important cultural and social awards that celebrate our identity and preserve our memory. There were 25,000 submissions from citizens and residents, as well as institutions and schools, all united by one story: the story of Dubai,” His Highness said. “We congratulate the winners and thank everyone who contributed to documenting and preserving our heritage. The story of Dubai will continue to be told through its people. Whoever does not document their legacy will be forgotten by time, but Dubai will not be forgotten,” he added. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan added that Dubai has always been a welcoming home to people, their stories, and their ambitions, noting that a valuable knowledge legacy is being passed on to future generations by documenting the city’s development, preserving its stories, and reinforcing identity and belonging. He also noted that strong community engagement with the awards reflects a growing awareness among Dubai’s residents of their role in documenting history, stressing that this responsibility now extends beyond institutions to society as a whole. He affirmed that the Government of Dubai will continue to support and sustain this legacy as a source of inspiration for the future. Sheikh Hamdan added that the true value of the award goes beyond recognition, as it contributes to building a society rooted in authenticity and pride, and praised the creativity across all categories as evidence that Dubai’s heritage remains alive through its people. Over 12 months since its launch, the Erth Dubai initiative recorded more than 14 million interactions across its platforms and received 25,238 submissions from 54 private and 38 government entities. It produced 16,128 documentation materials, including historical photographs and rare documents, forming a comprehensive archive that reflects strong community engagement and enriches Dubai’s cultural and social heritage. Award categories The Grand Prize, worth AED 1 million, was awarded to Nasser bin Ahmed bin Issa bin Nasser Al Serkal in recognition of his outstanding contribution to documenting Dubai’s cultural and social heritage. The awards also recognised winners across various categories. Ghith Mattar Sultan Al Qamzi won the Best Family Heritage Documentation award; Ahmed Ayoub Mohammed Noor Abdul Karim won Best Oral Heritage Documentation; Abdulrahim Mohammed Balghoz Al Zarouni was named winner of Best Creatively Documented Entry; and Mohammed Sultan bin Thani won the Best Social Media Contribution category. In the resident 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 was named Best Government Entity, Uncle’s Shop was recognised as Best Private Sector Entity, and New Academy School was awarded Best Educational Institution, in recognition of their support for the initiative and strong community engagement. At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Hamda