Well known Dubai presenter Richard Coram dies of coronavirus in UK

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coronavirus, covid-19, Richard Coram, Dubai, channel 33 Dubai

Dubai - Richard was one of the most familiar faces on Channel 33 Dubai.

By Nandini Sircar

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Published: Wed 8 Apr 2020, 1:03 PM

Last updated: Thu 9 Apr 2020, 5:54 PM

Former mediaperson Richard Coram, who was popular through his radio shows and news anchoring in Dubai-based media, died of Covid-19 in the UK.

UAE residents mourned the sad news that sent shock waves among all, especially who watched or heard him in their growing-up years or knew him professionally during the 1980s.

Barely in his late 50s, the long-term Gulf resident and former radio show host on Dubai FM92, was also a celebrated news reader on the city's popular Channel 33.

Old-timers in the UAE are deeply saddened as they recall their interaction with this media legend - a "presenter par excellence".

In a condolence message sent to Khaleej Times, Colm McLoughlin, executive vice-chairman & CEO, Dubai Duty Free, said: "My wife Breeda and I extend our condolences to Richard's family on his sudden loss. When we first came to Dubai, Richard was a key media figure on both TV and Radio, and he interviewed me several times during the early days of our business."

He added: "Richard worked with Dubai Duty Free in organising entertainment for things like the Powerboat racing that we used to run in the 1990s. He was always a great professional and a good person to deal with. Our thoughts and prayers are with Padma and their son Aryan, who is actually our Godson, at this difficult time."

Remembered as a pleasant, calm and credible newscaster, he is looked back by many UAE veterans nostalgically.

"He reminds me of a simpler and slower time of life in Dubai. The range of entertainment options were very different back then. I vividly remember his evening news bulletin. There was something very reassuring about his voice," said Ramesh Cidambi, chief operating officer, Dubai Duty Free.

"I am saddened that death has struck him prematurely, it feels like the end of an era," he added.

Coram and his wife Padma had also launched an event management firm, Talent Brokers. It's said, the company brought large-scale concerts and shows to the UAE, including Lionel Richie, Elton John and Rod Stewart.

As a broadcaster he is remembered as someone who just had that natural ability and was warm and likeable.

Taking a trip down the memory lane, Robert Nicholas, chairman, NPI Media, said: "in the mid-1980s, he used to be the main voice and one of the chief comperes for the Khaleej Times raft race, which was the social event of the season and attracted scores of people. He was undoubtedly one of the biggest media personalities of our times - back then - in the emirate."

Both Coram, along with his wife Padma, were socially well-known, pioneering the live entertainment arena, before it became a regular occurrence.

With a supreme knowledge of the local, national and international business world, many of his former associates from the eighties remember him fondly as a "supportive colleague".

"I worked with him for good seven to eight years, when I was in the UAE. I used to go to the radio studio every Wednesday. I did a regular interview slot for his shows. He was a professional, and I remember, how new and nervous I was. But he would keep encouraging me and would tell me, imagine you are talking to just one person," said Asha Bhatia, writer, columnist and founder of Al Noor Training Centre in Dubai.

"I also distinctly remember Richard liked all things Indian. He loved the Indian food, the saree and he also went on to marry an Indian," said the present-day Delhi resident.


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