'Erth Dubai' gains momentum, capturing community stories and voices

A powerful community initiative is gaining momentum in Dubai.

'Erth Dubai', launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, is quickly becoming one of the most inclusive cultural projects in the emirate’s history.

Since its launch in February 2025, the initiative has attracted over 5,000 contributors, with stories pouring in from residents and citizens across Dubai.

These personal accounts, submitted via the project’s official website and digital platforms, create a rich digital archive that reflects the emirate’s heritage, values and traditions.

So far, it has generated over one million social media engagements, with submissions covering everything from maritime life and shipbuilding to education, trade and daily life in old neighbourhoods.

To make participation even easier, the newly launched 'Erth Dubai' mobile app allows users to upload stories, photos and historical documents directly from their phones.

Ahmed Saeed Al Sharid, the initiative’s General Coordinator, praised the leadership’s support and said the next phase will expand participation and improve access to documentation tools, ensuring Dubai’s history is preserved for future generations.

As part of efforts to involve the younger generation, students were recently recognised through the initiative’s 'School Challenge' for outstanding submissions featuring their parents and grandparents.

‘Erth Dubai’, one of the largest community-led documentation initiatives of its kind attracts over 5,000 participants and tops one million in social media engagement since launch in February 2025. New ‘Erth Dubai’ mobile application launched to broaden participation and make the… pic.twitter.com/nGNgyGtIjO

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 27, 2025