UAE unveils new stamp in tribute to Mahatma Gandhi

Image follows state visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week

The stamp, launched by Emirates Post

The design of a new UAE postage stamp released as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi has been revealed.

The Emirates Post stamp marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of the campaigner for Indian independence from British rule.

The stamp was launched on Saturday during the state visit of Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, to the UAE.

It shows an image of the famously non-violent freedom fighter and the phrase '150 years of celebrating the Mahatma'. The tribute has been seen as a sign of deepening ties between India and the UAE.

“As we approach the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, Emirates Post is issuing a stamp as a celebration of the values Gandhi embodied and upheld during his lifetime," said Abdulla Alashram, acting chief executive of Emirates Post Group.

"The stamp serves as a reminder of his significant contribution to human development, and his teachings of tolerance and respect is one of universal relevance.

"Seventy years after his passing, Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy can still be felt the world over and his impact on humanity still lives on.

"The stamp, designed to celebrate an inspirational historical figure, also demonstrates the strong ties the UAE has with India and the contributions Indians have and will play in the development of our communities here in the UAE."

Earlier this year, an exhibition celebrating Gandhi and Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE, was opened in the capital, Abu Dhabi.

During Mr Modi's state visit, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said the civil rights campaigner remained a key role model for future generations.

"The national and humanitarian figures, such as the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Mahatma Gandhi, remain immortal in the memory of their peoples and the peoples of the world, as both figures represent shining models in world history as role models and for their work for the sake of peace, tolerance and coexistence among human beings," he said.