Dubai is mourning the loss of veteran photographer Ramesh Shukla, who passed away at the age of 87. He was famous for capturing important moments in the UAE’s history, including the iconic ‘Spirit of the Union’ photo of the rulers of the seven emirates in 1971.
Despite facing health challenges, Shukla remained devoted to photography, documenting the country’s growth and preserving its history and culture over many decades. His work covered major state events, national milestones, and the UAE’s transformation, connecting generations through his images.
Known for his passion and attention to detail, Shukla continued taking and archiving photos until the very end, leaving behind a lasting contribution to the UAE’s visual history.


