Today's Edition
RAJEEV CHERIAN (DUBAI)
A grand story of stamps – each a story symbol in itself of historic moments that shaped their creation – and the enduring passion for collecting them was celebrated at the Dubai International Stamp Exhibition, which brought together philatelists from 76 countries.
Held at Dubai World Trade Centre’s Maktoum Hall from February 4 to 8, the event was hosted by the Emirates Philatelic Association, coinciding with its 30th anniversary, the centennial celebrations of the International Federation of Philatelic Associations (FIP) and the golden jubilee of the Asian Philatelic Federation.
The stamps, postcards, and envelopes took visitors back to bygone eras of correspondence, bearing handwritten addresses and official post seals. They were accompanied by details of their year of issue, design, historical context and commemorative significance.
Speaking to Aletihad, Om Prakash Kedia, a veteran stamp collector for more than 60 years, said: “This is a grand event. The careful curation of the exhibition detailing the history of stamps, including the development of postcards and envelopes, along with its thematic presentation, deserves praise, especially for its educational value.”
Among the exhibits depicting the history of postal services in the world were postage stamps used in the UAE and issued by each emirate. The first post office among the Trucial States was established in Dubai on August 9, 1909, affiliated with and managed by the British Indian Postal Administration.
The post office in Abu Dhabi was opened on March 30, 1963, and the stamps of the British Postal Agencies in Eastern Arabia were used until March 30, 1964, when Abu Dhabi issued its First Definitive set.
Another highlight of the exhibition was international competitive classes, which were overseen by a jury of 40 accredited judges from the FIP. It also featured 51 sales booths of postal administrations, stamp dealers, auction houses and philatelic stakeholders.
Even with the advent of modern communication, the field of philately remains vibrant, said Victor Liapine, a philatelic consultant, expert and catalogue editor.
“Stamps reflect a nation’s evolution and the major events in its history. They champion national and global causes and commemorate notable figures. Even if an occasion in history is short-lived or forgotten, stamps endure to tell the story. Once you delve into the world of stamps, it offers an experience rich in educational value,” Liapine said.
