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The lens is shut

His camera worked till the end DUBAI — A legendary photography duo, Noor Ali Rashid and Ramesh Shukla’s friendship dates back to the early 1960s. Known for capturing some of the most prolific moments in the history of the UAE, the duo has been credited with authoring several books on the development and history of the nation and its rulers. Mourning the loss of his dear friend, a teary-eyed Ramesh — photographer and owner of Ramesh Gallery Four Seasons — said: “There will never be another Noor Ali Rashid in the history of this country. Till he was alive, his camera was working and it is indeed a sad moment for us.” Remembering one of the memorable moments spent with Noor, Ramesh says: “Once I was clicking photographs in the heritage village and Noor walked up to me and said: ‘We have more than a million photographs to our names. Let’s go out and spend some time together’. “Noor was passionate about photography. He strived to preserve the history of this country, and his unrelenting efforts have presented the young generation with a unique glimpse into the rich history of this country’’, said Ramesh. “He used to always say, we should go on to live till we reach 100 years,” Ramesh added. Noor Ali Rashid has encapsulated the UAE’s growth and achievements since 1958. -Muaz Shabandri

The NMC highlighted the efforts Rashid made in the UAE media and prayed to the Almighty to grant mercy to the deceased, and solace and strength to his family to bear the loss.

Ibrahim Abid, director general of NMC, said: “Noor Ali Rashid for me was the ‘memory of a nation’, who captured with his camera very important pictures of the country since the UAE established its Federation. He witnessed the foundation of the Federation. I met him for the first time during the presidential trip to Colombo to attend the Non-Aligned Movement conference with a delegation led by the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1976. Noor will remain with us forever as his work is immortal.” Mohammed Iskander, photographer of Al Khaleej Arabic newspaper said, “Noor was a humble and nice man who was always very dear to us. We found him very helpful. We are very saddened on losing a good colleague and brother.”

Rashid who was born in Gwadar, Pakistan, in December 1929, died after a long ailment. To his credit goes the creation of a national photo treasure and archive documenting life in the UAE in the past five decades.

His last photography assignment was on Saturday when His Highness, Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-president and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, welcomed the elite of the media industry, leaders and professionals on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. At the gathering, Rashid presented Shaikh Mohammed a copy of his book, ‘Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid: Memories and Achievements.’

As a passionate photographer, Rashid’s lens captured the first moments of Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s assumption to power in Dubai.

His archives boast of a collection of nearly three million photos. The late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan gave him the title of the ‘Royal Photographer’ of the Al Nahyan family and other ruling families in the UAE.

The list of his books include: The UAE: Visions of Change; Shaikh Zayed: Life and Times (1918-2004); Shaikh Khalifa: Memories and Achievements; Abu Dhabi: Life and Times (Royal Collection); Dubai: Life and Times (Royal Collection); and Shaikh Maktoum: Life and Times (1943-2004).

In his 50-year career he received 83 prizes and honours, including the title of Photographer of the Millennium.

The Zayed University has launched the Noor Ali Rashid Student Documentary Photography Award in recognition of his contributions to the media industry in the UAE.

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