UAE's Royal Photographer Ramesh Shukla Passes Away at 87 in Dubai
The United Arab Emirates has lost one of its most significant visual historians. Ramesh Shukla, the Indian expatriate photographer widely celebrated as the "royal photographer" who meticulously documented the UAE's transformation, died on Sunday at age 87. He suffered a cardiac arrest at Rashid Hospital in Dubai, as confirmed by his family.
A Lifelong Dedication to Photography
Shukla had been confronting heart-related health issues over the past year, enduring several attacks. Despite these challenges, his passion for photography remained undiminished. His son, Neel Shukla, shared that even during his hospital stay, his father maintained an upbeat and energetic demeanor, enthusiastically discussing his work until the sudden cardiac arrest.
Tributes have flooded in from across the nation, led by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who honored Shukla's unwavering dedication and his crucial role in preserving the country's pivotal historical moments.
Chronicling a Nation's Evolution
Ramesh Shukla was far more than a photographer; he was a firsthand witness to history. His extensive body of work has fundamentally shaped how Emiratis recall their past and how the global community perceives the UAE's remarkable journey from desert settlements to a modern global hub.
Arriving in the Emirates in 1965 via boat from Mumbai, Shukla carried minimal funds and a single Rolleicord camera. At that time, the UAE was not yet formally established. The landscape featured limited roads, no skyscrapers, and the transformative impact of oil wealth was still unfolding.
His career breakthrough occurred while photographing a camel race in Sharjah, attended by Sheikh Zayed and other rulers. His evident talent and professional dedication swiftly earned him the trust and access necessary to cover historic state occasions.
The Unofficial Royal Photographer
Over the decades, Shukla became a constant, discreet presence at official gatherings. He documented not only royalty but the comprehensive narrative of a nation in motion:
- Construction sites emerging from the desert sands
- Expanding ports and infrastructure
- Children growing up in a newly formed country
- Leaders collaboratively shaping a shared future
Although never holding an official title, the moniker "royal photographer" was first bestowed upon him by Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who recognized Shukla's exceptional contribution in chronicling the nation's leadership and defining milestones.
Iconic Images That Define a Nation
Ramesh Shukla's archive contains some of the most powerful visual records in Emirati history. Among his legendary works is the iconic photograph of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan signing the declaration of the Union on December 2, 1971—the very day the UAE was officially established.
Another seminal image, often called the "Spirit of the Union," depicts the founding fathers standing united beneath the UAE flag. This photograph holds such national significance that it is featured on the country's Dh50 currency note, integrating Shukla's artistry into the daily lives of Emiratis.
His comprehensive archive spans:
- Decades of leadership events and official ceremonies
- National celebrations and cultural festivities
- Traditional camel races and sporting events
- Everyday scenes capturing rapid societal change
Today, his photographs are preserved and displayed at prestigious institutions including the Etihad Museum and the Zayed National Museum, ensuring future generations can experience the UAE's evolution through his perceptive lens.
An Enduring Legacy
Few expatriates have made such a profound and lasting impact on the Emirates. Through wars, celebrations, leadership transitions, and national milestones, Ramesh Shukla consistently stood behind the camera, capturing moments that now constitute the nation's visual identity.
His photographic legacy continues through:
- Museum exhibitions and official archival collections
- Public displays in metro stations and cultural centers
- Historical publications and commemorative books
- The very currency circulating within the country
More importantly, his images reside in the collective memory of the UAE. The man behind the lens may have departed, but the nation he helped document will forever remember Ramesh Shukla. He is survived by his wife, Tarun Shukla, and his son, Neel Shukla.
