Education

The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has announced the launch of the “UAE... People and Impact” project, a new cultural initiative designed to document the biographies, achievements, and legacies of influential Emirati figures who have played a significant role in shaping the nation’s social, cultural, literary, economic, and scientific landscape.

The project seeks to preserve the UAE’s national memory while introducing younger generations to inspiring Emirati role models and the country's rich cultural heritage. Through a collection of high-quality publications, the initiative aims to celebrate the achievements of distinguished personalities and highlight their contributions to society, while strengthening national identity and fostering a deeper appreciation of local history.

The initiative reflects Dubai Culture’s commitment to promoting reading, supporting the Arabic language, preserving local heritage, and connecting members of the community with the human and cultural stories that have shaped the UAE’s development.

Implemented in partnership with Ghaf Publishing House, the first phase of the project will feature ten carefully curated books that explore the lives and accomplishments of pioneering Emirati figures from diverse fields. The publications will showcase their experiences, achievements, and values, offering future generations meaningful examples of leadership, creativity, innovation, and community service.

Among the notable personalities featured in the project is Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouj, founder of the historic Ahmadiyya School in Dubai and a key contributor to the advancement of education in the emirate. The series will also highlight the life and works of poet and writer Ahmed bin Sultan bin Salim, whose literary contributions enriched the cultural landscape of the UAE, the Gulf region, and the wider Arab world.

Other prominent figures included in the initiative are writer and poet Sultan bin Ali Al Owais, renowned for his passion for literature, science, and poetry; historian Hamid bin Sultan bin Hamid Al Shamsi; celebrated poet Awsha bint Khalifa, widely known as “Fatat Al Arab”; traditional medicine expert Rafia bint Thani bin Qatami; and acclaimed Emirati artist Jaber Jassim, who left a lasting impact on the country’s music scene.

The project also pays tribute to the legendary navigator Ahmed bin Majid, whose maritime achievements earned international recognition, as well as Hassan bin Ali Al Hamdi Al Yamahi, known for preserving oral traditions and popular memory. Additionally, poet, actor, and television personality Sultan Al Shaer is featured for his contributions to contemporary Emirati poetry and cultural expression.

Commenting on the initiative, Eman Al Hammadi, Director of the Literature and Knowledge Department at Dubai Culture, described the project as an important milestone in strengthening Dubai’s cultural and creative industries.

She noted that the initiative contributes to the development of the publishing sector by investing in books as enduring sources of knowledge and cultural enrichment, while also documenting local history and introducing new generations to the individuals who helped shape Dubai and the UAE.

Al Hammadi emphasized that the project supports the preservation of national identity, encourages reading as a foundation for sustainable cultural development, and provides opportunities for writers, artists, and creative professionals to showcase their talents and contribute to the country’s cultural landscape.

The project has brought together a distinguished group of Emirati writers and authors responsible for developing the publications, including Amira Boukadra, Nadia Al Najjar, Noura Al Khoury, Badriya Al Shamsi, Maitha Al Khayat, Dr. Reem Al Gurg, Afraa Mahmoud, Abdullah Al Sharhan, Hessa Al Muhairi, and Maryam Al Ghafli.

A number of artists have also contributed illustrations for the books, including Safaa Al Mazrouei, Noor Abdulaziz, Alia Al Hammadi, Dalal Al Jabri, Na’ama Al Awadhi, Reem Ahmed, Fatima Al Amiri, Salama Al Nuaimi, Amna Al Ketbi, and Aisha Al Marashda.

Through the “UAE... People and Impact” project, Dubai Culture seeks to create a lasting literary archive that celebrates the achievements of Emirati pioneers, preserves the nation’s collective memory, and inspires future generations to contribute to the UAE’s ongoing journey of progress and innovation.

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