Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has launched People & Legacy, a cultural and publishing initiative dedicated to documenting the lives of influential Emirati figures who have played a pivotal role in shaping the UAE’s social, cultural, and intellectual landscape. The project aims to present these stories to younger generations through high-quality, engaging publications that celebrate national identity and preserve cultural memory.
People & Legacy reflects Dubai Culture’s commitment to enriching the local cultural ecosystem, promoting reading, supporting the Arabic language, and strengthening the presence of Emirati heritage in contemporary knowledge production. Through carefully researched and thoughtfully written content, the initiative highlights the achievements and contributions of national icons across diverse fields, reinforcing their enduring impact on society.
Implemented by the Authority in cooperation with Ghaf Publishing House, the project’s first phase includes the publication of ten specialized books that focus on the achievements of local Emirati pioneers and leading figures across the literary, cultural, community, economic, and scientific fields, presenting their life stories and experiences as inspiring models for future generations. The project also features a curated list of prominent figures who have left a lasting impact on society, notably Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk, founder of Al Ahmadiya School in Dubai, and poet and writer Ahmed bin Sultan bin Sulayem, who enriched the local, Gulf, and Arab literary landscape through his poetic and literary contributions.
The list also includes poet Sultan bin Ali Al Owais, who was distinguished by his passion for knowledge, literature, and poetry; historian Humaid bin Sultan bin Humaid Al Shamsi; Ousha bint Khalifa, known for her powerful poetic presence and societal contributions; Rafeea bint Thani bin Qatami, one of the most prominent specialists in traditional medicine; and artist Jaber Jassim, one of the UAE’s leading musical figures. It also features the renowned Emirati navigator Ahmed bin Majid; Hassan Al Yamahi, a narrator of popular memory who reflects the features of traditional life and stories of place; and artist and actor Sultan Al Shaer, one of the local poetic voices whose work expresses the spirit of place and evokes human values and experiences in a contemporary poetic form, among other figures who have shaped the cultural and social landscape of the UAE.
Commenting on the initiative, Eiman Al Hammadi, Director of the Literature and Knowledge Department at Dubai Culture, highlighted the project’s cultural significance, stating: “People & Legacy represents a key milestone in our ongoing efforts to support and strengthen Dubai’s publishing sector as a vital component of the cultural and creative industries. The project reflects our belief in the book as a long-term cultural and knowledge investment that carries its impact across generations. By documenting the lives of Emirati icons and presenting them to younger audiences, we are safeguarding national memory, reinforcing cultural identity, and promoting reading as a cornerstone of sustainable cultural development.” She added that the initiative also plays an important role in supporting writers, artists, and creative talents, encouraging them to refine their skills, continue producing meaningful content, and share their work with diverse segments of society.
The People & Legacy project is being implemented with the participation of a distinguished group of writers and authors commissioned to develop the books, including Amira Boukadra, Nadia Al Najjar, Nora Al Khouri, Badriya Al Shamsi, Meitha Al Khayat, Reem Al Gurg, Afra Mahmoud, Abdullah Al Sharhan, Hessa Al Muhairi, and Maryam Al Ghafli. The project also involves a group of artists responsible for creating the illustrations for the publications, including Safa Al Mazrouei, Noor Abdulaziz, Alia Al Hammadi, Dalal Al Jabri, Naeema Al Awadhi, Reem Ahmed, Fatima Al Ameri, Salama Al Nuaimi, Aamna Al Ketbi, and Aisha Al Marashda.
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2026.06.06 Stockholm
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