In 1965, with just 50 Indian Rupees in my pocket and a Rolleicord camera gifted by my father, I embarked on a journey into the unknown. My ship, Dwaraka, docked in Sharjah, where I was greeted by endless desert sands and no roads—just a vast, unfamiliar land. Little did I know that moment would mark the beginning of my lifelong mission: to tell the story of the Emirates through my photography.

Dubai’s promise of the future captivated me, especially after meeting the visionary leaders Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid. Their warmth and ambition inspired me to settle here with my family, though life was challenging in the early days. Few people had cameras back then, and many were fascinated by mine, giving me the rare privilege of capturing the traditions, heritage, and everyday moments of the Emirates—creating a visual history as the nation blossomed.

My defining moment came in 1968, during a camel race where I captured Sheikh Zayed’s joyful spirit. When I presented him with the photo, he smiled, signed it, and said, “Ramesh, you are Fannan”—an artist. From that day, I became the trusted photographer for the country’s most historic events. One of my proudest achievements was capturing the signing of the union agreement on December 2, 1971. That photograph—now called “The Spirit of the Union”—symbolizes the birth of the UAE. Today, it is proudly displayed across the country and even featured on the 50 AED banknote.

Through my lens, I’ve witnessed Dubai’s incredible transformation—from a quiet desert to a bustling metropolis with towering skyscrapers and man-made islands. Yet, amidst all the change, I’ve preserved the essence of Emirati culture and tradition. My work is now showcased in the Etihad Museum, Al Shindagha Museum, and even on the walls of Dubai’s metro stations.

At 86, my passion for photography burns as bright as ever. I still have undeveloped rolls of film, each containing precious moments of UAE history. As I often say, “Life starts after 100! Keep going.” Through every click of the shutter, I hope to keep sharing the story of this remarkable land with the world for generations to come.