His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, 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, honoured 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, and enhancing community documentation as a pillar of national awareness and identity.


The ceremony took place today 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 minister and senior officials.


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 noted 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 the 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 celebrates our identity and preserves 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. 


Sheikh Hamdan added that Dubai has always been a welcoming home for people, their stories, and ambitions, noting that a valuable knowledge legacy is being passed to future generations, capturing the city’s development, preserving its stories, and strengthening identity and belonging.


His Highness also noted that the strong community engagement with the awards reflect 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 also affirmed that the Government of Dubai will continue to support and sustain this legacy as an inspiration for the future.


Sheikh Hamdan added that the award’s true value goes beyond recognition, helping build a society rooted in authenticity and pride, and praised the creativity across all categories as evidence that Dubai’s heritage remains alive in its people.