Iconic photographer Ramesh Shukla, aged 87, passed away at Rashid Hospital in Dubai, after battling heart issues for more than a year.

Known as the ‘royal photographer’ – a title credited to him by former Dubai Ruler, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum – Shukla chronicled the history of the UAE, capturing the famous Spirit of the Union photo, which showed the founding leaders standing in front of the UAE flag after signing the document, declaring the formation of the Union.

Another celebrated work of his was that of late Sheikh Zayed signing the declaration that formed the UAE on December 2, 1971. The image of Founding Father late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan found on Dh50 note was taken from a photograph by Shukla.

Shukla, who moved to Dubai in 1965 with a Rolleicord camera gifted by his father, carried the Spirit of the Union logo and Sheikh Zayed’s photo on his business card till the end of his life.

Shukla had suffered multiple heart attacks in the past year, recovering from it and returning to work each time. Reliable sources said that he was upbeat even on the day of his passing.

Just a few months ago, Shukla and his family met the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, when he explained the legacy of the UAE to them through his photographs.

Shukla’s photographic collection from the 1960s, celebrating UAE’s political history, is on display at the Zayed National Museum and the Etihad Museum. – editor@nrifocus.com