On 5 January 2013, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched a year-long initiative to create an autobiography of Dubai through social media.
Open for all of the Emirate’s residents and visitors, the initiative encourages people to capture the real life dynamics of Dubai and share the most compelling moments they experience. People are invited to contribute by using the hashtag #MyDubai, and will be able to introduce the unique values and culture of the Emirate to the world through social media, which has become one of the most important channels through which the world observes Dubai.
Commenting on the launch of the project, Sheikh Hamdan said the #MyDubai initiative will tell the real and human stories of the city through photographs and videos. Using his twitter account, Sheikh Hamdan said that the main goal of the project was to show the world the beautiful lives, unique identity and true culture of the city that lie beneath the urban and technological advancements. The images will showcase the life of the city’s residents and visitors, their experiences and adventures, and highlight the best of their social lives, while informing the world about the UAE’s culture and values.
Sheikh Hamdan invited all of the Emirate’s residents and visitors to participate in the #MyDubai campaign, by sharing images and videos on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag. A number of activities and events related to the hashtag will be launched throughout the year. Dubai Crown Prince initiated the programme by sharing his personal photo on his Instagram account.
Sheikh Hamdan stated that the passion for the Emirate that exists amongst both UAE nationals and the communities of more than 200 nationalities living in Dubai is an often untold part of Dubai’s success: “Our achievements are driven by a positive energy and spirit that is felt by everyone who lives in our Emirate, inspiring creativity and harmony and uniting more than 200 nationalities.”
Adding to these comments, Sheikh Hamdan said: “In the fabric of Dubai there are more than 2.1 million stories – the individual lives and experiences of all those who call Dubai home. A city’s story is created by its people and as we look towards a prosperous future, it’s time to join together and show the world how 2.1 million people can create one remarkable story. Together we will create the world’s first autobiography of a city.”
Dubai Crown Prince commented that #MyDubai will provide the opportunity for each resident to become an ambassador for the city, sharing the exciting, diverse and remarkable lives they lead.