Yesterday, the Dubai World Trade Centre witnessed the launch of the Dubai International Stamp Exhibition 2026, with an unprecedented participation of 76 countries. The event marks the largest of its kind in the region’s history for stamp and coin collectors. The exhibition runs until February 8 and showcases thousands of rare specimens that document significant historical milestones in the evolution of global postal services.
More than 469 exhibitors are participating, presenting valuable collections from around the world. The exhibits range from stamps that chronicle historic events and the development of postal systems to rare collectibles that highlight the importance of stamps as tools of communication, culture, and national identity.
A Global Platform in the Middle East
Abdullah Khoury, President of the Emirates Philatelic Association, affirmed that this exhibition is the first of its scale in the Middle East. He noted the participation of 20 international postal administrations under a special category affiliated with the Universal Postal Union. The international jury includes 40 members, and 52 dedicated booths have been set up for sales within the exhibition.
Khoury explained that awards will be distributed across nine categories, including Large Gold, Gold, Large Vermeil, Vermeil, and other medal classes. Entries are evaluated according to precise criteria, including rarity, condition, presentation, and informational content.
From Postal Tool to National Identity
Khoury pointed out that stamps were initially created solely to pay postage fees. Today, however, they have become national symbols reflecting history, geography, and culture. He added:
“A stamp now reflects a country’s image, its global standing, its foreign relations, and aspects of its environment and heritage.”
Postal Treasures from Sharjah and Dubai
Stamp collector Nasir bin Ahmed bin Issa Al Serkal is participating with two collections. The first focuses on the postal history of Sharjah from 1932 to 1985. It covers the period starting from the opening of the air station and spans four phases: the Indian postal service period, the British Royal Air Mail period, the independent Sharjah postal era starting in 1963, and the UAE postal period starting in 1972.
He noted that the collection presents the history of postal services, featuring types of stamps and rate changes over time, and includes many rare items, including limited editions.
His second collection showcases stamps used in Dubai from 1909 to 1973. It covers several phases starting with the Indian, then Pakistani, followed by British postal services, and finally the independent era, which transitioned into the post-union period.
From Umm Al Quwain… to the World
Ahmed Al Hassawi presented a unique stamp collection documenting the first postal issue of Umm Al Quwain. The collection includes pieces displayed for the first time, such as the original contract between the emirate and the stamp company, samples from the issue phases, and rare envelopes acquired from international auctions.
Al Hassawi confirmed he is currently authoring a book documenting the postal history of Umm Al Quwain, continuing a series of previous publications.
A Global Passion – From Ecuador to Dubai
From Australia, collector Bernie Beston presented a remarkable collection of postal tools from Ecuador, dating from 1880 to 1938. It includes rare postcards, envelopes, and original printing plates. He praised the event’s organization, saying:
“I’ve visited dozens of international exhibitions, but the Dubai International Stamp Exhibition stands out in terms of participation and exhibit diversity.”
Coins Also on Display
The exhibition does not focus solely on stamps; it also opens its doors to coin collectors. Emirati collector Fawaz Al Amri showcased his collection in custom-designed albums. His display includes both paper and metal currencies from the UAE, Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. Among the items is a commemorative coin issued by Abu Dhabi Police for the Golden Jubilee, bearing the image of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace.
Al Amri advised aspiring coin collectors to start by focusing on a specific niche—such as coins from a particular country or a defined historical period.
New Commemorative Issues
To mark the occasion, Emirates Post announced the launch of four commemorative stamp issues celebrating major milestones in the world of philately. These include the UAE’s hosting of the exhibition, the 50th anniversary of the Asian Philatelic Federation, the centenary of the International Federation of Philately, and the 30th anniversary of the Emirates Philatelic Association.
These initiatives underscore Emirates Post’s commitment to supporting culturally and intellectually valuable hobbies and to strengthening the UAE’s position on the global exhibition map.
