Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, on Sunday launched a project to document and preserve Dubai's history.
Erth Dubai is a community-driven initiative to gather stories and experiences that showcase Dubai's people, heritage and development.
Writing on X, Sheikh Hamdan said people in the emirate had stories worth telling and Erth Dubai aimed to "gather these stories and create a digital archive that safeguards our heritage and preserves our identity".
"We invite everyone to take part in this initiative," wrote Sheikh Hamdan. "Together, we write Dubai’s history in the voices of its people. We carry its past into its future. Ensuring its legacy remains deeply rooted in the memory of generations, a testament to a city that never stops inspiring."
A video posted by Sheikh Hamdan to promote the initiative showed archive footage of Sheikh Rashid, who ruled Dubai from 1958 until 1990, and also shots of the historic Dubai Creek area where the city grew from.
More details about the project are expected soon but new social media channels have been established along with a website. The website showed archive photos of moments in Dubai's past and stated that a mobile app would be launched so people can "record and submit their Dubai stories, memories and milestones that have shaped their family’s and city’s legacy".
State news agency Wam said the project would involve Emiratis and residents but it was not immediately clear if there were other submission rules or eligibility guidelines.
"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 – a cornerstone that has strengthened Dubai’s renaissance and progress to this day," said Sheikh Hamdan, in remarks carried by Wam.
"Through this initiative, we will safeguard the legacy of our ancestors, ensuring it is passed down to our children and grandchildren.
“Every recorded testimony and every story shared through this initiative is a national treasure that reflects the values of our society and highlights the vital role each Emirati has played in shaping Dubai’s history. It is our shared responsibility to document our history and safeguard this legacy as a source of pride and inspiration for future generations.”
Wam said the project will be carried out throughout the year and will start by collecting submissions. These will then be evaluated.
Wam said all "all segments of Emirati society are encouraged to take part in documenting the emirate's rich history" with school pupils and Dubai government employees invited to help gather and document stories.
Wam further stated that "residents will be asked to recount personal stories from various stages of their life, capturing their diverse experiences and memories".
"Such accounts will help highlight memorable events of daily life, personal achievements, and family stories, shaping a digital archive with a deeply personal touch that reflects Dubai’s cultural depth and vibrant community spirit," it reported.
Schools campaign
A schools campaign will also be launched in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority to encourage pupils to document the stories of their parents and grandparents and help them connect with the past.
Sheikh Hamdan urged all segments of society, from school pupils to families, businesspeople, officials and individuals, to support the project by sharing their experiences and stories.
Erth Dubai is part of a series of projects launched by Sheikh Hamdan to showcase the emirate, with the latest being the Dubai National Archives Project, overseen by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.
It will involve documenting and archiving the emirate’s government records, achievements, history and cultural heritage.
Dubai Creek as it used to be – in pictures
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An aerial view of Dubai Creek in the early 1960s. Under the wing is Deira, across the water is Bur Dubai and to the right is Al Shindagha. All photos: David Riley © UAE National Library and Archives -
An abra captain rows across Dubai Creek in the 1960s -
Travelling across Dubai Creek the traditional way. A Gray Mackenzie and Co barge, right, carried goods from ships offshore to customs on the quayside -
Goods for sale at a Dubai souq in the 1960s -
Construction about to start on Dubai Creek, with a water tower and traditional buildings visible -
Dubai Creek in the 1960s. Note the other abras in the background
