New initiative will preserve and showcase the stories of Dubai’s endowers, highlighting more than 100 years of philanthropy, community service and sustainable giving
Dubai: The Endowment and Minors’ Trust Foundation in Dubai (Awqaf Dubai) has launched a new project to document the emirate’s rich endowment heritage, preserving the stories of influential endowers and the culture of giving that has shaped Dubai’s development for more than a century.
The initiative forms part of the Erth Dubai project launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, to document the emirate’s national heritage and preserve its legacy for future generations.
The project will produce visual and narrative content chronicling the history of endowments in Dubai, including the stories of individuals and families whose charitable contributions supported communities and embodied values of generosity, solidarity and social responsibility.
Preserving a century of giving
Through short films, documentaries, digital content and written narratives, the project aims to highlight the contributions of prominent endowers from Dubai families, drawing on historical records and verified accounts.
The initiative will document both charitable and family endowments, showcasing their role in supporting community development and preserving social cohesion across generations.
His Excellency Ali Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary General of Awqaf Dubai, said the project reflects the institution’s commitment to safeguarding an important part of Dubai’s history and identity.
“The project reflects our commitment to preserving the national memory and endowment heritage as an integral part of Dubai’s history and social identity,” he said.
Al Mutawa noted that endowment records provide a valuable account of the humanitarian initiatives undertaken by generations of Dubai families and reflect a long-standing vision of sustainable giving and community service.
“Through visual content and narrative storytelling, Awqaf Dubai seeks to preserve this legacy and present it in a contemporary format that retains its authenticity while spreading awareness of the noble values that have long been central to Dubai’s development,” he added.
Supporting Erth Dubai’s objectives
Ahmed Saeed Al Sharid, General Coordinator of the Erth Dubai initiative, praised Awqaf Dubai’s efforts, describing the project as an example of institutional commitment to preserving Dubai’s collective memory and cultural heritage.
He said the initiative supports Erth Dubai’s objectives by documenting the emirate’s heritage while encouraging individuals and organisations to participate in preserving the UAE’s historical legacy and authentic values.
Al Sharid added that the project will help reinforce awareness of the role that endowments have played in shaping Dubai’s social identity and strengthening a culture of giving across generations.
Inspiring future generations
According to Awqaf Dubai, the project will highlight inspiring examples of philanthropy spanning more than 100 years, illustrating how endowments contributed to community welfare and supported social and humanitarian causes throughout the emirate’s history.
Officials said the initiative aims not only to preserve historical records but also to inspire future generations by showcasing the stories of individuals whose vision and generosity helped shape Dubai’s development and community spirit.
The project is one of several initiatives under the wider Erth Dubai programme, which seeks to document and celebrate the emirate’s heritage while ensuring its stories and achievements remain accessible for generations to come.
