Dubai Introduces Erth Award to Honor Cultural Heritage

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Dubai has launched one of the largest awards globally focused on cultural heritage preservation. The Erth Dubai Award, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, is designed to recognize individuals and organizations dedicated to documenting and promoting the emirate’s rich heritage.

This initiative encourages residents, citizens, and various institutions to share narratives that embody Dubai’s social and cultural essence. It underscores the vital connection between the emirate’s illustrious past and its ambitious future, stressing that embracing heritage is essential to progress.

With an impressive prize fund exceeding AED5 million, the award comprises two primary categories: community and the government and private sector. The community section features various sub-categories, such as Best Creatively Documented Story, Best Family Legacy Story, Best Social Media Story, Best Documenter of Dubai’s Oral Traditions, and Best Story from a Dubai Resident. Each winner will receive AED500,000, while the grand overall winner will earn AED1 million.

The Erth Dubai Award aims to encourage creative storytelling that authentically reflects Emirati identity. Submissions are invited from all residents and citizens and will be preserved in a digital archive, ensuring long-term access for researchers, cultural organizations, and the general public.

Applications can be submitted via the Erth Dubai website and the Erth Dubai app, available on both Apple Store and Google Play. Registrations are open until 15 January 2026, with the award ceremony slated for the first quarter of 2026.

The launch exemplifies Dubai’s commitment to documenting its history, with the Erth Dubai initiative already gathering numerous community contributions. Through these stories, the award seeks to protect the emirate’s living heritage while inspiring future generations to value and perpetuate its cultural legacy.