Noor Ali Rashid was much more than a photographer; he was a visual historian, a storyteller, and a friend to the ruling families of the UAE. Over six decades, he dedicated himself to capturing not just moments, but the very essence of an era undergoing profound transformation. His work immortalizes an incredible journey across nations, political landscapes, and cultural evolutions.
noor ali rashid
about the photographer
Noor Ali's work stands as a monument to the changing face of the region, beginning with his early life in Oman, and extending to the bustling streets of Karachi, Pakistan, and finally the quiet shores of the Trucial States. Each place he traveled, and every culture he encountered, added to the depth of his work. His friendship with the rulers of the United Arab Emirates, including Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, granted him unprecedented access to moments both public and private. He gained recognition as the region’s first photojournalist and was most famously known as "The Royal Photographer”, a title given to him by Sheikh Zayed himself. His archives reveal stories of these rulers not just as leaders, but as people — revealing tender glimpses and candid moments in their lives.
The man behind the lens
Noor Ali's ability to capture intimate moments came from the deep respect and trust he cultivated with his subjects. He was invited to document pivotal moments in the lives of the UAE’s founding fathers, from the formation of the Federation in 1971 to countless private gatherings and state events. His presence was so trusted that he was often treated as a family member within the royal circles, exemplified by Sheikh Zayed's fondly referring to him as "Ibn Emarat" - Son of the Emirates.
Beyond his relationships with prominent figures, Noor Ali Rashid was beloved by the public and respected by young photographers who regarded him as a mentor and role model. He became widely known as "Baba," the father of photojournalism in the region.
Ibn Emarat
Noor Ali Rashid was almost never seen without his camera hanging around his neck, constantly and continuously capturing moments as the region started to evolve from a
quiet desert town in the 1950’s to a bustling metropolitan city in the new millennium. His photographic collection is extensive in both quantity and variety, encompassing styles
such as documentary, street, historic, artistic, and architectural photography.
Through his iconic images he preserved the region’s history with remarkable sensitivity and depth, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire. His photographs have become timeless symbols of his dedication to documentary photography in the UAE, and his love for the land and its people made him the most beloved photographer of his era. His work remains deeply influential and is still widely used across the region today.
Noor Ali never stopped his love affair with photography. Although the number of cameras hanging from his shoulders decreased with age, he never stopped taking photographs.
Noor Ali took his last photographs just eighteen hours before finally resting his eyes and the lens of his camera forever: “I have lived a great life. I asked Allah for his blessings. For what I have achieved in my life time, I say Alhamdullilah.”
