The #MyDubai initiative aims to create the world’s first autobiography of a city by calling out to Instagrammers from around the world to snap photos which will illustrate their personal experience of Dubai.
Keen Instagram snappers have been tasked to post photographs which best illustrate their personal experiences of Dubai on their Instagram feeds using the #MyDubai hashtag and they were given the chance of seeing their images appear on the iconic Burj Al Arab sail last week.
The #MyDubai initiative, which was launched earlier this year by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum to create the world’s first autobiography of a city, has been eagerly embraced by the public, as shown with more than 1.5 million posts using the hashtag so far on Instagram alone.
45million flowers in the desert are joined by a butterflies garden at #Dubai‘s Miracle Garden,this October.@MyDubai pic.twitter.com/lbxCwMzcUf
— We Are Dubai (@WeAreDubai) September 15, 2014
Every day, a selection of images hashtagged #MyDubai on Instagram were chosen to represent life in Dubai as residents and visitors experience it, which can be viewed on @MyDubai. Five picks of the month pictures are showcased on the Burj Al Arab sail on the evening of the last Thursday of every month and final decisions are now being made about which images will be selected to represent September’s #MyDubai moments. Any images submitted up to [midnight on Wednesday 24 September] will be in with a chance of making the final cut, but Instagrammers shouldn’t despair if their pictures don’t make the grade – there’s always the chance to be among the best again next month.
Five more #MyDubai moments to be shown on Burj Al Arab tomorrow
“This is a great community initiative and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is proud to play a pivotal role. #MyDubai has enabled us to connect, engage and evolve with our community; this is a great way for us to give back.”
Mr. Ammar Hilal, Burj Al Arab Hotel Manager Issam Kazim CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing
“This is an incredible opportunity for Dubai residents and visitors to see their #MyDubai moments broadcast to the world on one of Dubai’s most recognised and best loved landmarks. The images we are looking for are those which capture the essence of our city, who we are, and how we go about our lives. They can be family moments, experiences with friends, favourite places in Dubai, or even just a day at the beach. What’s important is that the photo depicts an experience of the city with all chosen images featuring a person or people. We’re now looking for highlights from September, and we want to see those pictures light up the Burj this Thursday evening.”
Issam Kazim CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing Nourhan N. Beyrouti, strategic creative branding senior director at www.beyrouti.me had his picture projected last month featuring a selfie with DSS mascot, Modhesh, he said: “Dubai has illuminated me, and my picture beamed on the most iconic structure, the world has given me the most emotional bond with the only city that loves you back. #MyDubai is truly #MyDubai”. His Instagram account handle is @beyrouti.
Sherif just moved to Dubai and is very excited about his new adventure, This is #MyDubai by @SherifFayed pic.twitter.com/5vTnTSduc5
— #MyDubai (@MyDubai) September 11, 2014
Maz Hakim, presenter at Virgin Radio Dubai had her Ramadan moment shown on the sail in July, she said: “What an absolute dream to have my picture and face projected on one of the most amazing and recognisable buildings in the world. It was truly an incredible privilege to be associated with #MyDubai. The entire experience was magic!”. Her Instagram account handle is @mazzhakim.
Francis Karl P. dela Peña’s picture was that of a man sitting by the creek over sunset, he said: “As a Filipino expat here in Dubai for more than a year now, I feel very proud that my photo was chosen to be featured on the Burj Al Arab sail. It is a privileged to be able to showcase the beauty of Dubai, my second home, through my photographs, not only to my fellow Filipinos but also to the rest of the world”. Francis is a special education teacher and his Instagram account handle is @mactuscraig.
Residents and visitors are also encouraged to share their #MyDubai stories and experiences of the emirate on Twitter.
Follow #MyDubai:
- www.instagram.com/mydubai
- www.twitter.com/MyDubai
- www.facebook.com.MyDubaiOfficial
- www.youtube.com/MyDubaiOfficial