My UAE: Getting animated with Shehab Ahmed

A profile of the Emirati anime collector and fan Shehab Ahmed.

Anime expert Shehab Ahmed hosts the Seconds of Anime Facebook page. Delores Johnson / The National

Shehab Ahmed has had an interest in anime art since childhood. Some of his fondest memories growing up involved the family gathering around the television watching popular cartoons.

The interest has grown into a lifelong passion for the Emirati. “We grew up watching anime, which was originally dubbed into Arabic from Japanese,” the Abu Dhabi resident says. “Such anime was broadcast on local and ­Arabic TV channels, and as I grew up, I started watching original Japanese anime with English or Arabic subtitles.”

Several factors developed his interest. “The most important for me is the art and drawing, which is different from those of other countries,” he says.

Ahmed, who works for the Abu Dhabi Government, has set up a Facebook group called Seconds of Anime, which he hopes he will be able to develop into a business. He currently owns about 1,400 anime artworks.

“Collecting was a hobby. I came to realise this was an expensive hobby and found out there was a market for it,” he says. “Many people around the world value this art. As my collection grew, it became time to show the crowd some original pieces of our childhood memories.”

Ahmed displayed some of his collection last month at Yas Mall. “It was a positive collaboration that may enable us to present it again in the future,” he says. “The exhibition visitors were impressed. Some requested for me to present the same exhibition in other cities in the UAE and other GCC countries.”

While Ahmed, 40, isn’t an artist himself, he’s proud of the fact that he has the ability to come up with creative ideas that can be turned into reality.

Of all the 1,400 artworks, he has one particular favourite. “The most prized item I have is the cel [a transparent sheet on which objects are drawn or painted for traditional, hand-drawn animation] of the character Duke Fleed from the anime Grendizer, which was produced in 1975. Its value is about Dh57,000.”

What's your favourite food?

In general, I like Arabic food.

What's your most prized possession?

I consider my cel collection my most prized possession because I consumed so much time, money, and effort to possess such a collection.

What's your favourite travel destination?

Japan, because it has a unique and rich culture. Japan’s transport system and network is unique and very convenient for travelling within the country. I also love how respect is the base of everything there.

What attractions would you suggest to travellers visiting the UAE?

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace, the Heritage Village, Qasr Al Hosn Festival (if they visit in February), the Burj Khalifa, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Ferrari World and the Sheikh Zayed Museum in Al Ain.

If you were given Dh100,000, what would you do with it?

I would use that for different charity purposes.

Tell us something not many people know about you?

I am seriously considering holding an anime exhibition outside the boundaries of GCC countries in the near future.

What music do you currently have on repeat?

I listen to classical music only in the car. I prefer a quiet atmosphere.

Who's your favourite anime artist?

The Japanese artist Shingo Araki. His drawing is special and stands out from others. His drawing is popular in both Japan and Europe. He also participated in the production of famous anime work such as Grendizer, Lady Oscar and Saint Seiya.

What car do you drive?

My car is a sports car – a Bentley Continental GT.

Describe yourself in five words?

Creative, leader, rational, courageous and humble.