Sheikh Mohammed honours Erth Dubai Awards winners at Museum of the Future
Dh1 million grand prize awarded for outstanding heritage documentation
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 at a ceremony held at the Museum of the Future, recognising contributions to documenting the emirate’s cultural and social heritage.
The event brought together senior leadership, officials, and contributors whose work reflects Dubai’s evolving identity and collective memory. The awards, among the largest of their kind, highlight the role of individuals and institutions in preserving stories that define the emirate’s past and present.
The ceremony was attended by 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. Also present were Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee; Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated, alongside ministers and senior officials.
Cultural identity
Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that Dubai’s journey towards global leadership is anchored in a strong national identity and a vibrant living memory. He noted that documenting cultural and social transformations plays a key role in strengthening society and enabling sustainable development that balances authenticity with modern progress.
He highlighted that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has embedded heritage and identity into Dubai’s development model, positioning documentation as a strategic priority. According to Sheikh Hamdan, preserving collective memory enhances Dubai’s standing as a global example of leadership enriched by cultural depth.
Addressing the significance of the awards, Sheikh Hamdan said the initiative reflects a unified narrative shaped by contributions from across society. He revealed that the awards received more than 25,000 submissions from citizens, residents, institutions, and schools, all capturing different aspects of Dubai’s story. He congratulated the winners and acknowledged the efforts of all participants in preserving the emirate’s heritage.
Role of communities
Sheikh Hamdan underlined that Dubai has long served as a home for diverse communities, each contributing to a shared narrative of growth and ambition. He said the initiative has helped create a valuable knowledge legacy for future generations, documenting the city’s transformation while strengthening a sense of belonging.
Hamdan bin Mohammed: 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… pic.twitter.com/24lhONgU4M
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 30, 2026
He noted that the scale of participation reflects increasing awareness among residents about their role in preserving history. This responsibility, he said, now extends beyond institutions to society as a whole. He also reaffirmed that the Government of Dubai will continue to support initiatives that safeguard cultural heritage and inspire future generations.
The awards programme has recorded significant engagement since its launch 12 months ago. According to official figures, the Erth Dubai initiative generated over 14 million interactions across its platforms and received 25,238 submissions from 54 private entities and 38 government organisations. The initiative produced 16,128 documentation materials, including historical photographs and rare records, forming a comprehensive archive that captures Dubai’s social and cultural evolution.
Award winners
The ‘Grand Prize’, valued at Dh1 million, was awarded to Nasser bin Ahmed bin Issa bin Nasser Al Serkal in recognition of his exceptional contribution to documenting Dubai’s cultural and social heritage. The recognition highlights the importance of individual efforts in preserving narratives that might otherwise be lost over time.
Mohammed bin Rashid, in the presence of Hamdan bin Mohammed, honours the winners of the ‘Erth Dubai Awards,’ one of the largest awards dedicated to cultural and social documentation, for their contributions to preserving Dubai’s living memory, strengthening its national identity,… pic.twitter.com/VmRPSVFmCA
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 30, 2026
Winners across multiple categories were also honoured for their contributions. Ghith Mattar Sultan Al Qamzi received the award for Best Family Heritage Documentation, while Ahmed Ayoub Mohammed Noor Abdul Karim was recognised for Best Oral Heritage Documentation. Abdulrahim Mohammed Balghoz Al Zarouni was named winner in the Best Creatively Documented Entry category, and Mohammed Sultan bin Thani received the award for Best Social Media Contribution.
In the resident category, Shaukat Ali Rana Mohammed Rafi was recognised for Best Contribution by a Resident, reflecting Dubai’s multicultural fabric and the role of expatriate communities in shaping its narrative.
Institutional awards highlighted contributions from organisations supporting the initiative. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority was named Best Government Entity, while Uncle’s Shop received recognition as Best Private Sector Entity. New Academy School was awarded Best Educational Institution for its role in encouraging community participation and awareness among students.
Future plans
All submissions were evaluated by a specialised jury chaired by Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation. The panel included Dr Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the National Archives; Saeed Al Suwaidi, Research Expert at the UAE National Archives; Mariam Al Tamimi, Acting Director of Heritage Sites Management at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and Ahmed Saeed Al Sharid, General Coordinator of the Erth Dubai initiative.
The initiative has outlined plans for its next phase, including the publication of 100 books that will feature stories from Dubai’s residents. These publications are expected to serve as accessible references for the public and researchers, further enriching the emirate’s cultural documentation efforts.
Organisers confirmed that submissions for the initiative remain open online, encouraging continued participation from the community. The ongoing collection of stories, documents, and visual materials aims to expand the archive and ensure that Dubai’s heritage is preserved in a structured and accessible manner for future generations.
At the close of the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum took a commemorative photograph with the winners, marking a celebration of collective effort in documenting Dubai’s past while shaping its cultural narrative for the future.