Erth Award Launched in Dubai to Honor Cultural Heritage

Dubai has introduced one of the largest awards globally focused on cultural and heritage preservation. The Erth Dubai Award, launched 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 showcasing the emirate’s rich cultural heritage.

This initiative encourages citizens, residents, and organizations to contribute stories that represent Dubai’s diverse social and cultural fabric. It underscores the significance of bridging the emirate’s colorful history with its progressive future, asserting that heritage and advancement are intertwined.

With a prize pool exceeding AED5 million, the award encompasses two primary categories: community and government/private sector. Under the community category, several sub-categories are available, including Best Creatively Documented Story, Best Family Legacy Story, Best Social Media Story, Best Oral Heritage Documenter, and Best Resident Story. Winners in these categories receive AED500,000, while the top honor for the best overall entry is AED1 million.

The Erth Dubai Award aims for creative narratives that genuinely encapsulate the essence of Emirati identity. Submissions are open to all residents and citizens and will be preserved in an interactive digital archive, ensuring long-term accessibility for researchers, cultural organizations, and the public.

Applications can be submitted via the Erth Dubai website and the Erth Dubai app, which is accessible on both the Apple Store and Google Play. Registration will be accepted until 15 January 2026, with the official award ceremony planned for the first quarter of 2026.

The launch signifies Dubai’s commitment to documenting its history, as the Erth Dubai initiative has already garnered thousands of community submissions. By celebrating these narratives, the award intends to protect the emirate’s living heritage while motivating future generations to embrace and continue its cultural legacy.