By Rajni Rani & Amit Kakkar, Editors and the team
The world of photography and the story of the United Arab Emirates’ rise are forever intertwined through the life and work of Ramesh Shukla, who passed away on 15 February 2026 at the age of 87.
Ramesh Shukla was not just a photographer — he was a visual historian whose camera captured the heart and soul of a nation during its formative years. Arriving in the UAE in the mid-1960s, he witnessed firsthand the transformation of the seven emirates into a unified and thriving federation. His photographs documented defining moments, from the early leadership of the UAE’s Founding Fathers to the everyday lives of its people, creating a visual archive that scholars, citizens and future generations will treasure.
His work was honoured across the country. His images adorn museums such as the Etihad Museum and the Zayed National Museum, where his legacy lives on as a testament to his eye for history and humanity. He also received accolades for his lifelong contributions, including prestigious lifetime achievement awards that celebrated over six decades of dedication to his craft.
His talent and commitment did not go unnoticed by the UAE’s leadership. The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, paid tribute to him, recognising Shukla’s unwavering loyalty and his unique role in preserving the nation’s visual memory.
An Iconic Image Captured by the Legendary Ramesh Shukla at the Birth of the UAE
Behind the iconic photographs was a man driven by passion. Even in his final days, he continued to work with the same zeal that had defined his career — always behind the lens, always seeking the next moment worth preserving. He is survived by his wife, his son, and grandchildren, and by an immense body of work that will remain as a bridge between the past and the future.
Ramesh Shukla’s life was a testament to the power of seeing — not just with the eye, but with the heart — and through his photographs, his vision will continue to inspire long after the camera has been laid to rest.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.
The Team at EmiratesReporter.com Will Forever Remember Him as a True Inspiration.
