Dubai Celebrates Erth Awards Honorees for Heritage Conservation

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Leaders in Dubai convened to celebrate the esteemed winners of the ‘Erth Dubai Awards.’ This event acknowledged remarkable dedication to the preservation of the Emirate's rich cultural and social fabric, held at the iconic Museum of the Future with the attendance of high-ranking dignitaries.

The awards were led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum by his side. The gathering also included notable figures such as Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that Dubai’s success resonates worldwide due to its robust national identity and preserved heritage. He pointed out that capturing heritage and societal shifts is critical for sustainable development, harmonizing tradition with contemporary advances.

He acknowledged Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s visionary leadership in promoting cultural significance within Dubai's evolution, noting that documenting shared memories solidifies Dubai’s standing on a global scale.

This year's awards saw an impressive turnout, attracting more than 25,000 contributions from citizens, residents, institutions, and educational facilities. Sheikh Hamdan remarked that this enthusiasm underscores a collective determination to safeguard Dubai's narrative for posterity.

In the past year, the Erth Dubai initiative facilitated over 14 million engagements, garnering 25,238 submissions from both government and private sectors. This endeavor produced over 16,000 documentation pieces, including unique photographs and historical artifacts, contributing to a comprehensive record of Dubai’s heritage.

Award Winners

The Grand Prize of AED 1 million was awarded to Nasser bin Ahmed bin Issa bin Nasser Al Serkal for his outstanding documentation of Dubai’s history.

Additions to the laureates include:

• Ghith Mattar Sultan Al Qamzi – Best Family Heritage Documentation

• Ahmed Ayoub Mohammed Noor Abdul Karim – Best Oral Heritage Documentation

• Abdulrahim Mohammed Balghoz Al Zarouni – Best Creatively Documented Entry

• Mohammed Sultan bin Thani – Best Social Media Contribution

In the resident category, Shaukat Ali Rana Mohammed Rafi garnered accolades for embodying the essence of Dubai’s diverse populace.

Among organizations:

• Dubai Electricity and Water Authority earned the title of Best Government Entity

• Uncle’s Shop was recognized as Best Private Sector Entity

• New Academy School secured the award for Best Educational Institution

The Jury and Future Directions

A distinguished panel led by Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, along with heritage and archival experts, evaluated all entries.

Looking forward, the initiative aims to release 100 publications compiling narratives from Dubai’s residents, acting as crucial resources for researchers and the wider community, thereby further reinforcing the Emirate's cultural identity.

The Erth Dubai initiative continues to encourage the sharing of stories, reaffirming its commitment to preserving the rich heritage and experiences of Dubai’s communities for years to come.

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