Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran photographer Ramesh Shukla following his passing on February 15 at the age of 87. In a video shared on social media platform X, Sheikh Hamdan described Shukla as “one of the most loyal and devoted patriots,” recognizing his lifelong dedication to documenting the story and spirit of the United Arab Emirates.
Ramesh Shukla arrived in the UAE in 1965 and went on to spend more than six decades capturing the nation’s most significant moments. His photographs documented key historical milestones, including events surrounding the 1971 Union Agreement and the early years of the country’s formation. Through his lens, he preserved rare and powerful images of the UAE’s rulers, leadership gatherings, cultural traditions, and the daily lives of its people during a time of rapid transformation.
Sheikh Hamdan praised Shukla’s unwavering commitment and deep love for the Emirates, noting that his work played an important role in safeguarding the country’s history for future generations. He also extended his sincere condolences to Shukla’s family and friends, emphasizing that his remarkable legacy will continue to live on through the timeless images that captured the UAE’s journey from its earliest beginnings to a modern and thriving nation.


