Sheikh Hamdan has announced an app that will document the UAE’s history through a community-driven approach.

Dubai is known for its glitz and glamour. From skyscrapers to luxury offerings, it has cemented itself as one of the most desirable destinations in the world. But beyond the skyline, Dubai is home to a rich cultural history, which has shaped its identity. And now, in an effort to ensure that Dubai’s past is powering its future, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched Erth Dubai.

Erth Dubai is an app that invites Emiratis across generations to document and share their personal experiences, family milestones, and cultural narratives. Through this upcoming platform, users can record their stories, ensuring that their memories become part of the city’s collective history. Every shared story will serve as a national treasure, reflecting the values that have shaped Dubai.

Sheikh Hamdan shared: “It is our duty to write our history with our own hands and to preserve this legacy so that it remains a source of pride and inspiration for future generations.” Erth Dubai will ensure that these narratives are not lost to time.

One of the most exciting aspects of Erth Dubai is its digital approach. Stories and experiences will be archived in a comprehensive digital format, making them easily accessible to researchers, historians and the public. By preserving these accounts, Dubai ensures that its story remains accessible to future generations.

Recognising the importance of involving younger generations, Erth Dubai is also collaborating with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) to launch a school campaign. Students will be encouraged to document the stories of their parents and grandparents, fostering a deeper connection to their roots and helping them appreciate the history.

Contributing to Erth Dubai is simple. Users will need to create an account on the app and log in. Once done, they can share their stories. However, a special jury will be overlooking the creator accounts and the stories to ensure accuracy before they’re accessible to all.

Erth Dubai will unfold in multiple phases throughout 2025, starting with a collection of community submissions. So, if you’ve got something to share, this is our time.

GO: Visit https://erthdubai.ae for more information.