Indian advertising designer Ramesh Babu stands as one of the creative figures who witnessed and contributed to the UAE’s development since the 1970s. As a part of Dubai’s visual memory, Babu’s artistry and career of more than five decades are etched in the evolution of the advertising industry of the UAE.

On his first journey to Dubai, Babu said, ”I arrived in Dubai on April 16, 1974, aboard a ship from Bombay. The voyage took four days, and my first stop was Port Rashid. From there, I began looking for work. A few months later, I heard about a vacancy in a small advertising company that had only two employees. I was asked to create an advertisement for an ice cream company. I painted the ad entirely by hand — depicting old Dubai, with abras and traditional buildings alongside the product’s brand name. That artwork earned me my first job in advertising.”

Since then there was no looking back. “Everything was done by hand back then,” said Babu. “There were no computers or digital photography. I used to spend an entire day painting a single advertisement with brushes and pens — something that can now be completed in minutes.”

In 1977, he founded his first advertising company in Ajman, Nayana International, later renamed Eye Advertising in 1982. From there, his professional journey took off, as he collaborated with major global brands such as Canon and O General, as well as local companies that have since grown into some of the UAE’s leading enterprises.

In 1992, Babu established Al Oyoon Advertising in Dubai. “Many of the companies I started working with were small back then, and today they are billion-dirham corporations، I feel proud knowing their first advertisements were designed by me,” said Babu.

“I am preparing to return to India now after more than 50 years in the UAE. It’s time to rest after a lifetime of work,” he added.

Commenting on the UAE’s Tolerance Day, Babu said, “This country helps everyone — not only those who live here but everyone who engages with it. The UAE has always been my home. I have lived here for 51 years and never once felt like a stranger. Everything here is easy — people, government, and economic departments — all are so cooperative. It’s a safe, generous country that gives everyone the opportunity to succeed.”

When asked about his message to young professionals entering the advertising field, Babu said the industry rewarded creativity and perseverance.

“Advertising is a beautiful field for those who love art and thinking differently,” he said. “Hard work pays off — I recently received a Guinness World Record certificate for the longest career in print advertising, spanning 47 years and 77 days in the UAE. I wanted this achievement to inspire the new generation and show how dreams can come true through dedication and persistence,” said Babu.

“The UAE gave me the opportunity and embraced me. Now, as I prepare to return to my homeland, I carry with me its love, its spirit of tolerance, and my story of success,” Babu added with gratitude. – editor@nrifocus.com