For Emirati stamp collectors, each stamp is far more than a piece of paper; it is a window into the past, a marker of historic events, architectural milestones, and cultural heritage. These enthusiasts believe that their collections help preserve the national memory and document the UAE’s journey through time.
In conversations with collectors, it becomes clear that while modern life has reduced the use of postage stamps to rare annual commemorations, their significance remains deeply rooted. Islamic numismatics expert and stamp collector Abdullah Al Mutairi expressed his admiration for those who continue this hobby in an age dominated by technology. “I commend everyone who collects stamps today,” he said. “The younger generation is largely disconnected from this hobby, yet it remains a bridge between fathers and sons. A nation without a past has no present, and a people without history lose their way.”
Al Mutairi lamented the near disappearance of traditional postal services, sharing that he maintains two postal boxes despite rarely receiving mail. His passion drives him to continue paying their annual rent. He explained that stamp production today is limited to special occasions, and quantities printed are significantly lower than in the past when hundreds of thousands were produced per issue. Recalling a visit to Malta, he shared how he purchased a commemorative transportation stamp set, and to this day, receives notifications of new issues from the Maltese post office out of appreciation for his interest.
He hopes Emirati institutions will continue issuing stamps to connect today’s youth with the generations before them. “Stamps shouldn’t become mere museum pieces,” he added. Al Mutairi also touched upon coins, which are now rarely used due to electronic payments, emphasising that money, like stamps, carries history and heritage.
Stamps as Silent Storytellers
Omar Mohammed Ahmed Muallami, Secretary of the Emirates Philatelic Association, highlighted how stamps form part of the nation’s history, depicting local and international occasions, landmarks, and achievements. He noted that the first stamp issued by the UAE remains the most significant in any collection, as it represents all seven emirates.
Muallami also explained that stamps containing production errors—whether in price, design, or trimming—are especially prized for their rarity. In a batch of 100,000 stamps, only around 20 may contain such errors, making them valuable collector’s items. However, the use of stamps has decreased significantly in today’s digital communication era.
He called upon Emirati youth to visit philatelic exhibitions to understand the cultural and historical significance of stamps and urged the Ministry of Education to introduce stamp-focused activities for children to instill cultural awareness early.
A Lifelong Passion
For Nasser bin Ahmed bin Isa Al Serkal, a board member of the Emirates Philatelic Association, the passion began at just eight years old, passed down from his father and grandfather. Today, his collection includes the world’s first-ever stamp issued in Britain in 1840, and Dubai’s stamps dating back from 1909 to 1973, which he recently showcased at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.
His collection chronicles the evolution of Dubai’s postal system, from Indian administration to a brief Pakistani phase, followed by British administration and, finally, local independence in 1963. “Stamps are not merely printed images,” he said. “They introduce our country to the world.” He pointed to Dubai’s 1964 space-themed stamps as proof of the emirate’s early visionary outlook, realised decades later with the UAE Mars Mission.
Longing for Their Return
Fellow collector Mohammed Khamis Mohammed shared his hope to see stamps used widely again. He believes each stamp is a story, a testament to the economy, culture, and identity of a nation, offering the public a glimpse into histories they might otherwise never know.
Innovative Releases
Over the years, the UAE has issued commemorative stamps celebrating major milestones, such as COP28 and Expo 2020 Dubai, as well as special editions for National Day featuring designs inspired by the nation’s branding.
In honour of its Golden Jubilee, Emirates Post released the region’s first NFT-integrated postage stamp set, combining blockchain technology with traditional stamps, cementing the UAE’s leadership in digital innovation.
For Emirati collectors, these stamps remain invaluable cultural artefacts—silent yet eloquent witnesses to the nation’s journey from its earliest days to its most ambitious dreams.
