H.H. Sheikh Hamdan unveils new awards to honour spirit of Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, has launched Erth Dubai Awards to honour the cultural and social heritage of the Emirate.

In a post on social media platform X, Sheikh Hamdan said: "Every family has a story, and every experience enriches Dubai's journey. To honour this legacy, we launch the Erth Dubai Awards."

Sheikh Hamdan added that Dubai "continues to shape its future through the strength of its history", inspired by the "vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum".

He urged "everyone who has called Dubai their home to share stories that reflect the spirit of a city rising on the world stage, and to help preserve its legacy for generations to come".

Every family has a story, and every experience enriches Dubai's journey. To honour this legacy, we launch the Erth Dubai Awards, one of the world’s largest initiatives celebrating cultural and social heritage, with two categories: Community and Government & Private Sector.… pic.twitter.com/ut63Wb6bM1

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) November 22, 2025

With an allocated prize fund of more than AED5 million, it is one of the largest awards of its kind.

It comprises of two main categories: the community category and the government and private sector category, which together include seven sub-categories.

A grand prize of AED1 million will be presented to the best overall entry, while each sub-category winner will receive AED500,000. Within the community category, awards will be given for the Best Creatively Documented Story, Best Story to Document Family’s Legacy, Best Story Documented on Social Media, Best Documenter of Dubai’s Oral Heritage, and Best Dubai Resident Story.

The Award also recognises outstanding entries from the private sector, along with special honours for government entities.

Applications can be submitted via Erth Dubai website or Erth Dubai app until January 15, 2026.