His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, launched an initiative called ‘Erth Dubai’ on Sunday. This initiative is focused on documenting the rich history and heritage of the emirate by gathering and cataloguing stories and life experiences from community members. These narratives will highlight Dubai’s development over the years and showcase the lives of its people across generations.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the progress of Dubai into a modern, world-leading city is underpinned by the inspiring legacy left by its leaders. He stated that Erth Dubai aims to strengthen the collective memory of the emirate’s transformation and enhance the community’s understanding of its history and heritage, which is essential to the national identity. This initiative reflects the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

According to ARN News, Sheikh Hamdan remarked, “Erth Dubai will ensure that our cultural legacy not only endures but also continues to inspire future generations, reinforcing our commitment to preserving the emirate’s cultural identity.” He highlighted that this initiative will safeguard the legacy of ancestors for future generations, emphasizing its importance in shaping Dubai’s renaissance and ongoing progress.

Sheikh Hamdan described Dubai’s journey as a narrative of ambition, resilience, and unity, noting that it began with the vision of ancestors and has been carried forward by subsequent generations. He urged the community to recognize the value of each testimony collected through this initiative, which he described as a national treasure reflecting societal values. He stressed the collective responsibility to document history and protect this legacy for future generations.

The initiative seeks collaboration from various government entities to ensure its success and encourages all members of society—including school students, families, businesspeople, officials, and individuals—to participate by sharing their experiences. The project invites community members of all ages to contribute interesting anecdotes and stories, thus ensuring that Dubai’s rich heritage continues to resonate for years to come.

An interactive platform is being developed to facilitate the collection of historical and cultural accounts from individuals and families. Throughout 2025, Erth Dubai will be implemented in multiple phases, beginning with community submissions that will later be evaluated by a specialized jury with expertise in historical, social, and cultural contexts.

All segments of Emirati society are encouraged to engage in documenting the emirate’s history. Public and private school students, along with employees of the Dubai government, will play a vital role in this initiative by helping to gather and document personal stories and life experiences.

The initiative aims to provide comprehensive accounts of Dubai’s history, including significant contributions to its growth and insights into living in the emirate over the years. Residents will be invited to share personal stories that capture diverse experiences and memories, creating a digital archive that reflects Dubai’s cultural richness and vibrant community spirit.

In partnership with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the initiative will also launch a campaign in schools, encouraging students to document their parents’ and grandparents’ stories. This effort aims to help young people connect with their roots and appreciate the narratives that have shaped Dubai’s journey.

Erth Dubai is part of a broader series of projects initiated by Sheikh Hamdan to showcase Dubai’s inspirational journey. The latest project is the Dubai National Archives Project, overseen by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, which aims to preserve significant records of Dubai’s history and cultural heritage in accordance with global standards. This project will document and archive the emirate’s government records, achievements, and heritage, ensuring that Dubai’s story remains accessible to future generations.