Ugandan content creator Rashid Lumunye has won AED100,000, approximately Shs100 million, in Dubai’s “Best Dubai-It Story” contest after sharing his personal journey in the United Arab Emirates.
Lumunye emerged as the winner from thousands of entries in the storytelling competition, which invited UAE residents to share personal transformations, before-and-after journeys and experiences under the #Dubai_It campaign.
The winner was announced during a live finale of The Lovin Dubai Show. Mariana Mustafina and Maymi Asgari were the other finalists.
Organisers described Lumunye’s entry as a story of resilience that highlighted the importance of self-belief and hard work.
He received the AED100,000 grand prize following his victory.
Lumunye Promises Family Member Umrah Trip
After being announced as the winner, Lumunye called a family member and promised to take them for Umrah in December.
The Ugandan creator has built a significant online following through content focused on life in Dubai and the wider UAE.
His TikTok account has more than 650,000 followers, according to the source material.
His content covers areas including tourism, work, culture and opportunities in the UAE. He has also received sponsorship to travel to Dubai and other destinations.
Dubai-It Campaign
The Best Dubai-It Story contest forms part of the wider Dubai-It initiative.
The campaign was launched following an initiative announced by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on June 17, 2026.
The initiative promotes turning ideas and ambitions into measurable results through action, speed and quality.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum subsequently launched the annual Dubai-It Award on June 24, 2026.
The award recognises individuals, projects, companies and institutions that turn ideas into measurable achievements across sectors including government, business, education, technology, real estate, sport, health and community work.
The initiative assesses achievements based on factors including quality, speed, impact and sustainability.
According to the Dubai Protocol Department, the initiative is intended to make execution and measurable results part of Dubai’s working culture.
Lumunye’s Approach to Content Creation
Lumunye has previously described his content as positive and constructive, saying creators should use their platforms to provide information that can improve people’s lives.
In an earlier interview, he criticised what he viewed as harmful content from some Ugandan creators.
“They have become influencers influencing bad causes,” Lumunye said.
“Instead of sharing content that will transform fellow Ugandans, the focus is more on misinformation.”
He has argued that content creators have a responsibility to use their platforms to share information that benefits their audiences.
Lumunye’s latest recognition adds an international award and a major cash prize to his growing profile as a Ugandan creator based in the UAE.