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Rare stamps and covers on display at Dubai show

DUBAI — UAE Minister for Government Sector Development Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansour inaugurated the 19th Asian International Stamp Exhibition, titled ‘Gems of Asia’, in Dubai on Monday.

More than 30 countries are participating in the exhibition.

“Postal services began in the UAE in 1908 when Dubai was the centre for dispatching outgoing mail by sea to various destinations. Stamps are therefore a true representative of the UAE’s rich history,” said Al Mansour.

“As part of its efforts to promote philately, Emirates Post and Emirates Philately Association are working hard to make this exhibition a success,” said Abdullah Al Daboos, Director-General, Emirates Post.

“We are proud to be hosting the Asian Stamp Exhibition for the first time in an Arab country. The UAE has proved its success in hosting several world class events and this exhibition is another feather in its cap,” added Al Daboos.

Emirates Post has issued a set of commemorative stamps in two denominations (Dh1 and Dh4) to mark the occasion. There are some rare exhibits at the UAE counter.

Philatelists will certainly be impressed by a wide collection of traditional, Postal History, One Frame and Literature class stamps and covers.

Penny Black, the first stamp issued in the world in 1840 by Great Britain during Queen Victoria’s reign, is on display. There is also the Blue Stamp issued under King Edward 7, among other pieces of history.

The collection of vintage and rare covers and stamps includes a letter written by Major Frank Holmes, known as the Father of Oil.

Indian stamps dating back to the pre-Independence era are also among the exhibits.

Thematic and rare stamps are being sold at high prices. For instance, stamps issued under the Pakistani administration of the Postal Office in Dubai can be purchased for Dh7,500.

The exhibition is being hosted by the UAE, Emirates Post and Emirates Philatelic Association under the patronage of the Federation of Inter-Asian Philately. It will continue till tomorrow. Dealers and postal administrations worldwide and international printing presses can get stands for rental at the exhibition.