# MyDubai gathers momentum
DUBAI CROWN PRINCE’S INITIATIVE GATHERS PACE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
More than 33,000 posts on Instagram, along with tweets and Facebook comments for the initiative so far
The #MyDubai campaign has gained momentum on various social media channels since its launch on Sunday. Several people tweeted and posted pictures expressing their sentiments.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, launched this initiative through his Twitter account (@HamdanMohammed) to create an autobiography of Dubai through pictures and videos.
After posting tweets and a video introducing the initiative, Shaikh Hamdan followed it up with a picture of the Burj Khalifa on his Twitter and Instagram accounts.
It was shared by 74,000 people on Instagram and on Twitter, the picture has been retweeted 429 times; 301 tweeps have marked it as a favourite.
Some tweeps who were present at the official launch of the initiative posted pictures of the #MyDubai display at the Burj Al Arab. Hala Kazim using the twitter handle @HalaKazim wrote: “I was honoured to be a part of the first people to see the launch of #mydubai at the Burj Al Arab.”
The project has received more than 33,000 posts on Instagram, along with tweets and Facebook comments.
Many wrote about their life and experiences in Dubai. Nirmal Rao tweeted from @ nirmal82: “#MyDubai safe and secure country to live! Hats off to the Rulers!”
Another tweep using the handle @mataralmehairi posted: “#MyDubai: Dubai is art of paint ( mix of sea, desert, modern) but can’t be painted by anybody except Shk Mohammed’s brush”
Twitter account user @ KOJAK said: “#MyDubai is the BEST city in the WORLD.” Another user @ its_ 3ax posted: “#MyDubai is the Pearl of the Gulf and its a city of peace, security and stability.”
Khalid abdulrahman using @ khaled_ ae expressed his love for Dubai on his Twitter account. He wrote: “I’m in a constant love with this city, its ever changing dynamics always inspires me to think out of the box. #MyDubai.”
Some tweeps used the hashtag to write about events around Dubai. @SerialHBreaker wrote: “Where the world would come to u, just attended Chicago Broadway musical in Dubai #MyDubai.”
Asma Merchant @PurpleChashM tweeted: “D3 — Rainy day in #MyDubai : D #100happydays.” She posted a picture along with her tweet.
Facebook user Futtaim Al commented: “#MyDubai # UAE # Proud .... Thank you baba khalifa , Thank you baba mohammed .... A big thank you from our little emaraties of the family.”
Government support
Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing ( DTCM), the government body responsible for promoting the emirate’s leisure and business tourism offering around the world, has also joined the #MyDubai initiative.
DTCM will select outstanding posts and display the best photographs and videos on its social media channels. It will also share photographs and videos of the department’s work promoting the city around the world. Their Facebook page is titled ‘ Definitely Dubai’ and they’re also on Twitter and Instagram as @definitelydubai.
What #MyDubai entails
The photographs and videos on #MyDubai will showcase the life of people in the emirate, their experiences and adventures. It will highlight the best of their social lives, while informing the world about the UAE’s culture and values. In an official release on Sunday, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, said that the passion for the emirate that exists among both UAE nationals and the expatriate communities is part of Dubai’s success.
He said: “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.”
The photographs and videos submitted by people on the various social media channels will be brought together to document the experience of living in Dubai.
How to participate
Residents and visitors can submit photographs or videos depicting Dubai’s unique identity and culture on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Each post has to have the hashtag #MyDubai.
Duration of project
It will run for a year. A number of activities and events related to the project will be launched during this year.
Theme for submissions
The year- long project encourages people to capture the real- life dynamics of Dubai and share the most compelling moments they experience. The aim is to show the world the true picture of life in Dubai, the lives of its inhabitants, the emirate’s unique identity and culture juxtaposed with its urban and technological advancements.
Selection
The photographs and videos submitted by people on different social media platforms will be evaluated by a specialised team. They will then curate people’s contributions and use them across different platforms to create art installations, exhibitions, films and books. Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing ( DTCM) will also select from the submissions and promote them on their social media channels, along with sharing photographs and videos of the department’s work promoting the city around the world.