DUBAI: In a significant move to preserve Dubai’s cultural heritage, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has announced the launch of the ‘Erth Dubai’ initiative.
Aimed at documenting the emirate’s rich history, this project invites the community to share stories and experiences that chronicle Dubai’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a global metropolis.
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the initiative focuses on strengthening Dubai’s collective memory and cultural identity.
Erth Dubai, which means "Dubai Legacy", is set to preserve the city’s history for future generations while offering easy access to researchers and the public through a digital archive.
A tribute to Dubai’s founders
Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that Dubai’s rise to prominence has been driven by the vision of its founding leaders, whose ambition and foresight laid the groundwork for the emirate's modern identity. Speaking at the initiative’s launch, he highlighted the importance of understanding the city’s historical roots in shaping its contemporary achievements.
“Erth Dubai will ensure that our cultural legacy not only endures but continues to inspire future generations,” he said.
The Crown Prince further stressed the critical role that every individual in the community has played in building Dubai, with each story shared through the initiative contributing to the broader narrative of the emirate’s evolution.
Erth Dubai
The initiative will engage diverse segments of the population, including students, families, government officials, and businesspeople, to share their personal stories. These contributions will then be evaluated by a specialised jury that will assess the historical, cultural, and social significance of the submissions.
“Every testimony shared through ‘Erth Dubai’ is a national treasure, reflecting the values of our society,” said Sheikh Hamdan. “It is our shared responsibility to document our history and safeguard this legacy for future generations.”
Interactive platform for submissions
To facilitate the collection of these valuable stories, the ‘Erth Dubai’ initiative is set to feature an interactive platform, where community members of all ages can submit their accounts. This platform will be crucial in compiling a comprehensive digital archive that covers a wide range of personal experiences, community achievements, and cultural milestones that have defined Dubai over the years.
The submissions will range from family anecdotes and personal memories to significant events that shaped the everyday life of residents. As these contributions accumulate, the project will reflect the diverse experiences that make up the fabric of Dubai’s society, offering a rich and multifaceted view of its history.
A focus on schools and education
In collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), ‘Erth Dubai’ will also feature a schools campaign aimed at encouraging students to document the stories of their parents and grandparents. This educational component will help young people connect with their roots and understand the foundational experiences that shaped the city they live in today.
Sheikh Hamdan stressed that the involvement of the younger generation is crucial for fostering a deeper appreciation of the emirate’s history and for ensuring the preservation of this legacy. By documenting the experiences of previous generations, students will gain a greater understanding of Dubai’s transformation and its place in the global landscape.
Part of ongoing heritage projects
‘Erth Dubai’ is just one of many initiatives launched by Sheikh Hamdan to celebrate and preserve Dubai’s heritage. The project follows the Dubai National Archives Project, overseen by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, which aims to maintain the emirate’s government records and historical documentation in line with the highest global standards.
“Preserving Dubai’s story is an ongoing endeavour,” His Highness said, reflecting on the many projects aimed at ensuring that the city’s history is easily accessible to future generations.
For those interested in contributing to the ‘Erth Dubai’ initiative or exploring the archive, the platform can be accessed online.